Venezuelan bishops concerned proposed law could restrict religions

Published: 2004-06-18

CARACAS, Venezuela (CNS) -- A proposed religion law could permit restrictions on religious liberty, said the Venezuelan bishops' conference. However, a parliamentary deputy working on the proposed law said the government intends to respect religious freedom. The legislation has been in a subcommittee of the National Assembly for several years and is far from becoming law, since it has not received either of two required parliamentary votes. However, church officials said they believe that once it is submitted to parliament it will advance "very rapidly." The legislation received media attention recently after its text was leaked to the public. Auxiliary Bishop Jose Azuaje Ayala of Barquisimeto, spokesman for the Venezuelan bishops' conference, said several provisions of the legislation cause concern because they enable the government to control or restrict religious observance or retaliate against a particular religious organization.

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