The Milli Majlis committees for law policy and state-building and for public associations and religious entities held a joint videoconference on 15 April.

Deputy Chair of the Milli Majlis and Chairman of the Committee for Public Associations and Religious Entities Fazail Ibrahimli gave a detailed account of the draft amendments (in the first reading) to the Freedom of Faith Law (enacted in 1992). The legislative changes enacted since then and the current needs necessitate the institution of appropriate regulatory standards in the religious field. The amendments submitted for consideration are intended to bring about a more efficient legislative regulation of the existing as well as emerging relations in that field, define the relevant rights, obligations and responsibilities of the state, its citizens and religious entities and ensure there is an environment more favourable for execution of the freedom of faith.

The Vice Speaker pointed out that the Bill would keep intact the centuries-long environment of religious tolerance of Azerbaijan whilst also protecting the religious moral values against outside interference and foreign influences.

First Deputy Chair of the Milli Majlis and Chairman of the Law Policy and State-Building Committee Ali Huseynli gave an overview of the second item on the agenda of the meeting. He told the participants that the draft amendments (in the first reading) to the Code of Administrative Offences were linked to the already-mentioned modification of the Freedom of Faith Law and were aimed at legislative harmonisation.

The First Vice-Speaker talked about the standards and rules contained in the Bill. He emphasised on the prohibition of the propaganda of religious extremism and of the abuse of interfaith differences to political ends. The legislation envisages both administrative and criminal prosecution for such acts. As for the draft amendments, they would introduce a specific prosecution mechanism, which is a positive move to make, according to Mr Huseynli.

The attending Deputy Chairman of the Law Policy and State-Building Committee Gudrat Hasanguliyev, the MPs Jeyhun Mammadov, Anar Iskandarov, Erkin Gadirli, Azay Guliyev, Javanshir Pashazade, Azer Badamov and Tahir Karimli as well as Head of the Chief of Staff at the Administration of the Caucasus Muslim Department Simran Hasanov and Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Religious Associations Gunduz Ismayilov gave favourable reviews of the tabled Bills.

It was decided after the exchange of opinions that both Bills should be tabled for the first reading at a plenum of the Milli Majlis.

Deputy Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee for Public Associations and Religious Entities Sahib Aliyev and the committee members Sevinj Fataliyeva, Sabir Hajiyev, Nurlan Hasanov, Jabi Guliyev and Bahrouz Maharramov took part in the videoconference as well.

The Press and Public Relations Department
The Milli Majlis