Fri, Feb 10 2012

U.S. says religious freedom not fully guaranteed

Thu, Nov 01 2001 13:00 CET

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The Bulgarian Constitution provides for freedom of religion, however, the government restricts this right in practice for some non-Orthodox religious groups, reads the annual International Religious Freedom report of the U.S. Department of State released last Friday.

Bulgaria is not among the countries systematically violating religious liberties, however, the authorities restrict religious freedom through its selective registration process that can be slow, and nontransparent, according to the report. The government prohibits the public practice of religion by groups that are not registered.

While the observance of religious freedom has improved for some nontraditional groups since 1998, other groups have faced official disfavour and have been disadvantaged by the government's persistent refusal to grant registration, the report said. Other church groups have obtained registration from the government, but have continued to face some discrimination and antipathy from many local authorities.

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