Uzbekistan Advances Draft Law on Religious Policy

Last Updated on February 13, 2025 6:20 am

Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber has approved the draft law On State Policy in the Religious Sphere and sent it to the Senate for further consideration. The law, formally titled On Ensuring Freedom of Conscience of Citizens in the Republic of Uzbekistan and Approving the Concept of State Policy in the Religious Sphere, was first discussed in the lower chamber on January 31 and was open for public consultation until February 10.

The draft law consists of seven chapters and 41 articles, outlining the goals of state policy in religious affairs and detailing 10 key tasks to support these objectives.

The proposed legislation focuses on:

• Ensuring freedom and equality for all citizens, regardless of gender, nationality, language, or religion, while preventing discrimination
• Strengthening national unity and respecting traditions while ensuring equal opportunities for all communities
• Establishing equal legal conditions for citizens’ participation in social life
• Protecting the right to freedom of conscience without forced religious indoctrination
• Maintaining secularism in state policies and governance
• Ensuring public institutions and law enforcement operate based on secular principles
• Promoting religious tolerance and civic engagement
• Preventing civil servants from favoring or discriminating against any religion in their professional duties
• Advancing science, culture, and the arts while benefiting from global achievements
• Combating radicalization, extremism, and terrorism to protect public safety and social order

During the public consultation period, citizens submitted more than 480 comments, suggestions, and recommendations. Lawmakers also held meetings with religious representatives and journalists to gather feedback. On February 6, officials met with representatives from 16 religious groups, all of whom expressed support for the proposed law, emphasizing that it would help maintain religious harmony and stability in Uzbekistan.

Authorities stated that most citizens backed the initiative, recognizing its timely development and potential benefits for the country. A working group and the responsible committee reviewed all proposals and incorporated necessary adjustments before finalizing the draft.