Beijing passes law to protect religion

In a move towards reforming the country’s religious policies, Beijing has for the first time issued a law to protect the practices of r...

In a move towards reforming the country’s religious policies, Beijing has for the first time issued a law to protect the practices of religious people and organisations. The provisions on religious affairs of Beijing was recently passed by the municipal people’s Congress, it was reported here today.

Since Beijing has several religious groups and sites, the local statute has been adopted to protect religious practices and the legal rights and interests of religious people, it said quoting Beijing’s lawmakers. According to this law, people must respect traditions at places of worship and not interfere with religious practices through debates and propaganda against the religion.

Anyone who wants to erect new buildings, set up public facilities, or hold public activities at a religious site must first get approval from the religious authorities and government department concerned, it said adding the new law will come into force on November one this year.

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China has always been under attack for its oppressive religious policies and for its crackdown on Falungong. The world’s most populous country, ruled by the atheist communist party, has only 100 million followers of various faiths. Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Taoism are China’s main religions.

However, due to China’s opening up to the outside world, Chinese people are increasingly becoming believers and visit Buddhist temples to receive solace and relieve mental strain. China does not allow foreign-aided religious organisations to function within the country.