Recalling that the World Assembly’s previous attempt at addressing religious freedoms, “Freedom of Religion”, was repealed due to overly restrictive and specific mandates vis-a-vis restrictions on religious practices;
Noting that, while resolutions such as “Freedom of Association” may protect rights such as to gather into religious institutions, there is still no resolution legislating on freedom of religious practice or from state discrimination based on religion,
Recognising the importance of balancing the ability of member nations to take measures to advance compelling, practical interests, and the international protection of the right to religious freedom,
The World Assembly enacts as follows, subject to relevant past World Assembly resolutions still in force _
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No member nation, or political or administrative subdivision thereof, may discriminate against any individual for their religion or lack thereof, including by
1.1. denying equal protection under the law to those holding or lacking a religion;
1.2. enforcing legal penalties for an individual’s holding or lack of a religion; or
1.3. discriminating against individuals in tax based on their religion or lack thereof. -
No individual may be penalised for performing a bona fide religious practice which does not cause positive harm to other individuals. Any restriction upon this right must be vital for the furtherment of a secular interest which outweighs the public’s interest in religious freedom.