Issue Number |
04.d |
Issue Name |
Freedom of belief |
Issue Description |
Lebanon continues to be an example of religious diversity in the region
|
Objective Number |
04 |
Objective Name |
Fundamental Rights |
Objective Description |
Make fundamental rights and freedoms the heart of the Lebanese democracy
|
Vision Description |
A Cohesive, Egalitarian, Diverse and Dynamic Society |
Scope |
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The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion includes freedom to change ones religion or belief; and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest ones religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance
- Freedom of religion includes freedom from religion and protects theistic, non-theistic and atheistic beliefs
|
Indicators |
- V132 in WVS: Democracy: Religious authorities interpret the laws;
- Perception on religious freedom
- WJP Rule of Law Index (Factor 4)
|
Problem |
- Religious leaders are treated as representatives of their sects and are given powers over religious and civil affairs
- Religious leaders do not exist in isolation from politics, they are products of and selected by elite institutions, not by popular mandate
- Constitutional provision for allocating political offices according to religious affiliation is viewed as discriminatory
-
Some religious groups do not enjoy official recognition, such as Bahá'ís, Buddhists, Hindus, and unregistered Protestant Christian groups
- Unrecognized religious groups are disadvantaged under the law in that their members do not qualify for certain government positions
- Unrecognized religious groups are disadvantaged under the law because legally they may not marry, divorce, or inherit property in the country
|
Challenge |
- The powers of religious authorities;
- Absence of right not to profess any religion or belief;
- Formal recognition by the Government is a legal requirement for religious groups to conduct most religious activities;
- An individual may change religions if the head of the religious group the person wishes to join approves of this change
-
A number of members of unregistered religious groups are recorded under the recognized religions
- Discrimination based on religion is built into the system of government
- The "Committee for Abolishing Confessionalism," called for in the Taif Accord, has not yet been formed
|
Existing Policy |
- "National Pact" of 1943 stipulates that the president, prime minister, and speaker of parliament be Maronite Christian, Sunni Muslim, and Shi'a Muslim, respectively;
-
1989 Taif Agreement called for the eventual elimination of political sectarianism in favor of "expertise and competence;" however, little progress has been made in this regard
- The Constitution provides for freedom of religion and the freedom to practice all religious rites provided that public order is not disturbed;
- The Constitution provides that Lebanese Christians and Muslims be represented equally in Parliament, the Cabinet, and high-level civil service positions, which include the ministry ranks of Secretary General and Director General;
- Article 473 of the Penal Code stipulates a maximum prison term of 1 year for anyone convicted of "blaspheming God publicly."
|
Policy Action |
- Strengthening of the freedom of belief literacy among diplomats, international NGOs, government representatives, judges and lawyers, local NGOs and religious leaders (Service provision);
- Recognize non-dominant religions and establish a legal framework detailing their rights (I. C.);
- Move article 473 of the Penal Code criminalizing the public blasphemy of God to the Civil Code (I. C.);
|
Urgency |
Medium |
Complexity |
Medium |
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