A restrictive draft religion law was sent by Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon to the parliament for approval on November 19, according to a report from Forum 18. The draft law allegedly restricts the activity of religious organizations, limits religious education, and imposes state censorship over religious literature. If the law passes, religious organizations currently registered would be forced to re-register by July 1. However, the draft law's stringent requirements would make it difficult for some groups to continue to qualify for registration.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Tajikistan became in independent republic in September 1991 and was quickly plunged into a five-year civil war for control of the central government. The war caused thousands to flee into neighbouring Afghanistan. The war finally ended in 1997 with the loss of tens of thousands of lives. Following the devastation of war came three years of droughts and natural disasters, resulting in a country suffering from great poverty.
Life in this predominantly Muslim country is difficult and the influence of Islam is great. Religious freedom is protected in the constitution, but the fear of militant Islamic groups provides the government with an excuse to closely monitor religious practice in the country. Though ninety percent profess to be Muslim, the majority are more influenced by superstition and Zoroastrianism than by Islam.
Christians make up around four percent of the population with most being from European descent. There is very little Christian literature available, particularly in the Tajik language. Proselytism is not illegal, but authorities work to prevent any activity which might cause religious tension. Action has been taken against some house churches, even though they are specifically allowed in the religion law. In 2000 a decree was issued that private homes are for housing only. This was to prevent houses from being converted to bars and restaurants. However, this decree has been used against house churches, including an evangelical church in Chkalovsk in northern Tajikistan in 2002. In July 2003, a Baptist in Khudzhand in northern Tajikistan, Andrei Reimer, was fined for conducting religious meetings in a courtyard and for "talking to passers-by about God." Street meetings are not banned by law.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Tajikistan became in independent republic in September 1991 and was quickly plunged into a five-year civil war for control of the central government. The war caused thousands to flee into neighbouring Afghanistan. The war finally ended in 1997 with the loss of tens of thousands of lives. Following the devastation of war came three years of droughts and natural disasters, resulting in a country suffering from great poverty.
Life in this predominantly Muslim country is difficult and the influence of Islam is great. Religious freedom is protected in the constitution, but the fear of militant Islamic groups provides the government with an excuse to closely monitor religious practice in the country. Though ninety percent profess to be Muslim, the majority are more influenced by superstition and Zoroastrianism than by Islam.
Christians make up around four percent of the population with most being from European descent. There is very little Christian literature available, particularly in the Tajik language. Proselytism is not illegal, but authorities work to prevent any activity which might cause religious tension. Action has been taken against some house churches, even though they are specifically allowed in the religion law. In 2000 a decree was issued that private homes are for housing only. This was to prevent houses from being converted to bars and restaurants. However, this decree has been used against house churches, including an evangelical church in Chkalovsk in northern Tajikistan in 2002. In July 2003, a Baptist in Khudzhand in northern Tajikistan, Andrei Reimer, was fined for conducting religious meetings in a courtyard and for "talking to passers-by about God." Street meetings are not banned by law.
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