The Ministry of Justice has published a bill allowing religious organizations to pray in rented premises and residential buildings without approval from the authorities.

January 16 2013 on the website of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation a draft law on amending Art. 16 of the Federal Law "On freedom of conscience and religious associations.

According to the text of the explanatory note to the bill, it was drawn up in response to decision of the Constitutional Court, issued on December 5, 2012.

The bill introduces the concept of "public religious rites and ceremonies”, which “ include open, accessible for perception each religious rites and ceremonies, including divine services, prayer and religious gatherings ."

The text of the bill lists territories where religious organizations, without prior notice, authorities can hold religious assembly. These include:

• "religious premises" appointments owned by religious organizations or granted to them on a different property right”;

• "other premises belonging to religious organizations on the basis of ownership or otherwise provided to them property law";

• "Lands owned by religious organizations on the basis of ownership or otherwise provided to them property law";

• places of pilgrimage;

• territories of organizations created religious organizations;

• cemeteries and crematoria;

• residential premises.

These amendments confirm the right of religious organizations to pray in rented premises, not specifically intended for religious purposes, without the consent of the authorities.

In the rest cases require prior notification of the executive authorities or local governments in accordance with the law and rallies.

Sources

• Draft federal law "On Amendments to Article 16 of the Federal Law "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations" // Official website of the Ministry of Justice. 2013. January 16.