The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed concern over proposed legislation in Kyrgyzstan could restrict religious freedom.
The Kyrgyz parliament is considering a draft law entitled “On Freedom of Religion and Religious Associations.” The proposed law consists of six chapters and 40 articles, covering a range of issues related to religious freedom and regulation. Key provisions include mandatory registration of religious sites, a prohibition on combining public service with religious activities, restrictions on wearing clothing that hinders personal identification, regulations governing the operations of religious organizations, and a ban on interference by religious groups in state affairs.
SEE: Government Approval Becomes Mandatory for New Mosques in Kyrgyzstan – The Times Of Central Asia
“Religious freedom must be protected for all, without restrictions by government authorities,” said CAIR Research and Advocacy Manager Farah Afify. “We urge the government of Kyrgyzstan to not introduce any measures that would curtail the ability of the Kyrgyz people to freely express their faith.”
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com