Photo: Wikipedia / Suicasmo (cc)
A new religion law, which was introduced to Belarus' House of Representatives on September 29th, passed its first reading on October 11th. The text of the draft law was only made public on October 10th. While some aspects of the previous version of the law will remain the same, the new legislation would impose significantly tighter restrictions on the country's Christians if approved.
The wording of the draft document makes extensive use of terms such as "extremism," "terrorism" and "the ideology of the Belarusian state" to justify restrictions on freedom of belief. The new regulations aim to increase censorship on religious literature and provide new reasons that can be used to forcibly close religious communities. The draft law also seeks to impose new restrictions on religious education and prohibit all religious organizations – with the exception of monasteries – from running children's homes.
"We look at the new law with caution," stated one pastor, who wishes to remain anonymous. "It promises nothing good, but depends on how formally it will be applied, as the wording in some parts is obscure." After evaluating the planned legislation, United Nations Special Rapporteurs have expressed various concerns over the proposed changes, stating that they "would fail to meet Belarus' obligations under international human rights law" if implemented.
Religious freedoms have been seriously restricted in the past, and these proposed revisions threaten to make life much more difficult for Christians in Belarus. For more information, go to our country report.
Pray that the Lord will intervene in the hearts and minds of the legislators involved in the passing of this new law, steering and guiding their decisions in favour of religious freedom. As a result, may the country's restrictive legislation be overturned, granting believers the freedom to practise their faith without any interference. Until then, please continue to prayerfully remember Christians in Belarus who must contend daily with imposed governmental restrictions, asking that they would receive the wisdom and encouragement required to faithfully persevere in their service for Christ amid opposition.
