Uzbekistan's Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis has taken steps to protect children's rights with a new bill aimed at regulating religious upbringing practices. Recently passed in its initial reading, the bill introduces penalties for unauthorized religious education of children. Under the proposed amendments to Uzbekistan's Administrative Liability Code, parents or guardians who involve children in illegal religious education may face fines.
These fines range from $270 to $400. Repeat offences within a year could lead to steeper penalties, including fines of over $400 to $670 or administrative arrest for up to 15 days.
The bill strictly prohibits parents or guardians from enrolling children in religious education that contravenes the law. This includes sending children to unregistered or unlicensed religious organizations or individuals lacking proper religious education credentials. Such actions are considered illegal without prior approval from Uzbekistan's central religious organization authority.
The bill's proponents emphasize its role in protecting children from exposure to ideologies associated with religious extremism, separatism, and fanaticism. By enforcing stricter regulations on religious education, Uzbekistan aims to ensure children's comprehensive development and shield them from potential risks linked to unauthorized religious teachings.
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