Kazakh Agency for Religious Affairs supports law on religion

Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 18 / Trend , E.Kosolapova /

Head of the Kazakh Agency for Religious Affairs Kairat Lama Sharif has today stated that a new law on religious activity in Kazakhstan does not violate the equal rights of religious groups, the Novosti-Kazakhstan reported.

"No religion shall be established as state and obligatory one," Lama Sharif said at a spiritual forum in Astana. "The new law does not violate the equal rights of religious associations, because it creates a privileged environment for anyone."

The Kazakh President signed the law on religious activities on Oct.13.

Its provisions, in particular the ban on prayer rooms in public institutions, education and health facilities, as well as in military units, have caused a mixed reaction in the Kazakh society. Several NGOs have demanded to revise the document and dismiss the head of the agency for religious affairs.