DUSHANBE, March 12, 2009, Asia-Plus — The 18th session of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) of the third convocation that was held in Dushanbe on March 12 approved a new law of Tajikistan “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations.”
Speaking at the session, the Majlisi Milli member also known Tajik cleric Hoji Akbar Turajonzoda suggested that the law should be returned as requiring improvement.
“There are three aspects that do not allow approving the law in this reading. Firstly, the law determines certain places for offering prayers – mosques, cemeteries and so forth. In the meantime, Muslims working with enterprises, public and non-governmental offices, as well as servicemen cannot say prayers in their job and service places, while the previous law did not ban that,” said Turajonzoda, “Secondly, under this law people may pray in hospitals and jails only after getting a special permission. In my opinion, such restrictions are in contrary with traditions of Islam. Thirdly, the law prohibits propagation of religion in residential buildings, which is direct violation of rights and freedoms of citizens.”
Member of the Majlisi Milli Mahkam Mahmoudov noted that Turajonzoda might use his powers and offer suggestions on changes and addenda to the law in accordance with the procedure established by the country’s legislation.
“What Mr. Turajonzoda proposes is in contrary with the Constitution, which states that Tajikistan is a secular state,” said Mahmoudov, “As far ban on propagation of religion in residential buildings is concerned, it protects residents against numerous missionaries of various religions that are going from house to house, propagating their religions. Moreover, we are approving the law that gives equality to all religions in the country.”
For his part, Mr. Turajonzoda noted, “We are frequently misinterpreting the notion “secular” and do not see that all secular states do not restrict missionary activities.”
After discussions, members of the Majlisi Milli seconded the law “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations” by a majority vote.
We will recall that the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) adopted in the final reading the law “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations” on March 5. The bill was promoted at parliament as giving equality to all religions.
In the meantime, the March 11 RFE/RL item titled “Religious Intolerance Persists in Central Asia, Despite What Constitutions Say” notes that the new law is much less liberal than one adopted in 1992. “Although deputies who spoke in favor of its passage said it treats all faiths equally, it in fact gives priority to the Hanafi school of Islam, to which 90 percent of the population of Tajikistan adheres. According to article, if signed by the president, the new law would ban the propagation of other religions, in contrast to the more liberal law it supercedes.
