Romanian religious minorities are concerned that a draft law that their government intends to pass before the end of the year will give too much undefined power to the state over religious affairs in the country. They are also concerned that the proposed law will give too many privileges to eighteen state-recognized "religious denominations," while some smaller groups would be unable to even call themselves "churches."
(Source: Forum 18)
In December 2005, the Romanian Senate approved a controversial religion bill without debate, despite protests from religious groups (click here for more information). The bill then went to a joint committee for approval. After ten months, the bill was suddenly made a priority, possibly to ensure its passing before Romania is set to enter the European Union on January 1, 2007. According to a December 12 report from Forum 18, the bill was approved by the chamber commissions on December 7 and goes before the Chamber of Deputies on December 13 for approval.
The proposed legislation has been opposed by many religious groups in the country. Under the new law, there would be a total of eighteen recognized "religious denominations." Other religious organizations would have fewer legal rights, depending on the number of members in the organization.
Pray that religious freedom for all will be respected in Romania.
On October 12, 2005, the Persecution & Prayer Alert reported on protests in Romania against a proposed law which could give too much power to the officially recognized religious organizations and discriminating against smaller religious groups (click here to read more). According to a January 31 report from Forum 18, the bill has passed the Senate without debate or amendment, despite amendments proposed from the Senate's Legal and Human Rights Committees. The bill is now before the Chamber of Deputies for final approval.
Romanian religious minorities are concerned that a draft law that their government intends to pass before the end of the year will give too much undefined power to the state over religious affairs in the country. They are also concerned that the proposed law will give too many privileges to eighteen state-recognized "religious denominations," while some smaller groups would be unable to even call themselves "churches."
(Source: Forum 18)
