Kyrgyzstan's parliament has passed a restrictive draft law on religion in the first reading without debate. According to some, the bill will be adopted after the final reading on 21.10.08.
However, others have told the news agency Forum 18 News that the second and final reading will take place later. It is unclear what the current wording is, as officials are refusing to release the latest version.
One official, Zainidin Kurmanov, told the news agency that the latest text is available on the parliament website. However, other officials say they do not know what the bill contains.
However, Kumanov revealed that the bill includes: a ban on unregistered religious activity, a minimum of 200 adult members for registration, a ban on proselytizing, a definition of a "sect" and a ban on free distribution of literature. Kurmanov claimed he did not understand the objections, as "only criminals should be afraid of law and order."
A joint review of a July draft of the bill by the Venice Commission and the OSCE is also highly critical of the draft.
Officials claim to have invited a roundtable discussion, but religious communities say they have not been invited to participate. (Forum 18 News/Danish European Mission)
