Government Restrictions on Religion: A Global Overview
In a world where freedom of religion is a fundamental human right, government restrictions on religious groups continue to be a prevalent issue. A recent analysis by the Pew Research Center revealed that in 2019, 41 countries banned at least one religion-related group, with Jehovah’s Witnesses and Baha’is being among the most commonly targeted.
The Middle East-North Africa region had the highest share of countries with bans on religion-related groups, followed by Asia and the Pacific. Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the Americas also had countries with bans in place. These restrictions on religious groups are part of a larger trend of government limitations on religious beliefs and practices around the world.
The Pew Research Center’s annual series on government restrictions on religion measures the extent to which governments impinge on religious beliefs and practices. The study analyzes laws, policies, and actions that restrict religious groups, spiritual practices, and political organizations with ties to religion.
The analysis found that in some countries, only certain registered religious groups are officially recognized, and it is illegal to adhere to any other religious faith. For example, in Eritrea, only four religious groups are officially recognized, while Uzbekistan criminalizes activities by unregistered religious groups.
In other countries, practices considered to be part of folk or indigenous religions are outlawed. For example, practicing witchcraft is illegal in Cameroon, Central African Republic, and Tanzania. Repercussions for membership in banned religious groups can include detention, raids, and seizure of property.
In some cases, governments cite security concerns as a rationale for banning political or social groups with religious affiliations. Opposition movements to parties in power may also be targeted, as seen in Morocco and Bahrain.
Despite these restrictions, some countries may formally ban groups yet tolerate them in practice. In Jamaica and the Bahamas, laws criminalizing certain religious practices are not always enforced.
The Pew Research Center’s report sheds light on the complex landscape of government restrictions on religion and the impact they have on religious freedom worldwide. As the world continues to grapple with these issues, it is essential to advocate for the protection of religious rights and freedoms for all individuals.