Status of religious freedom Freedom of religion in Botswana

1 status of religious freedom

1.1 legal , policy framework
1.2 restrictions on religious freedom
1.3 forced religious conversion

status of religious freedom
legal , policy framework

the constitution provides freedom of religion, , government respected right in practice. government @ levels sought protect right in full , did not tolerate abuse, either governmental or private actors.

there no state religion. although common government meetings begin christian prayer, members of other religious groups not excluded leading non-christian prayers @ such occasions. constitution provides protection of rights , freedoms of other persons, including right observe , practice religion without unsolicited intervention of members of other religion.

all organizations, including religious groups, must register government. register, group submits constitution registrar of societies section of ministry of labor , home affairs. registration process takes 4 6 months complete, on average. there no legal benefits registered organizations, although organization must registered before can conduct business, sign contracts, or open account in local bank. person holds official position in, manages, or assists in management of unregistered organization liable fine of $166 (pula 1,000) and/or 7 years in prison. member of unregistered society liable penalties including fines $83 (pula 500) and/or 3 years in prison.

sixty-nine religious groups registered july 2006 may 2007; however, during same period 256 religious groups began process of registration had applications terminated. applications automatically terminated after failure submit required forms, fees, or constitution within 90 days, law mandates. no religious organization deregistered during reporting period.

religious education part of curriculum in public schools; emphasizes christianity addresses other religious groups in country. constitution provides every religious community may establish places religious instruction @ community s expense. constitution prohibits forced religious instruction, forced participation in religious ceremonies, or taking oaths run counter individual s religious beliefs.

there no laws against proselytizing.

only christian holy days recognized public holidays. these include friday, easter monday, ascension day, , christmas day. however, members of other religious groups allowed commemorate religious holidays without government interference.

restrictions on religious freedom

government policy , practice contributed free practice of religion.

the constitution provides suspension of religious freedom in interest of national defense, public safety, public order, public morality, or public health. however, suspension of religious freedom government must deemed reasonably justifiable in democratic society.

there no reports of religious prisoners or detainees in country.

forced religious conversion

there no reports of forced religious conversion, including of minor u.s. citizens had been abducted or illegally removed united states, or of refusal allow such citizens returned united states.