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Freedom of Conscience
Human Rights
Photo: Muslim believers from Bulgaria resettled in Turkey as a result of discrimination. Shutterstock
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18.
“Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. No one may be compelled to belong to an association.” United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 20.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging...the right of the people peaceably to assemble.” Constitution of the United States of America, Amendment I
All individuals have the inalienable right to believe according to their conscience, to adopt or change religion without compulsion or prohibition, to worship without harm to others, and to share peaceful beliefs without harassment or intimidation.
Freedom of conscience includes the right not to believe in any creed or dogma and to engage in public and private critique of religion, ideology, or belief without violence, harassment or intimidation.
The concept of a government's responsibility to guarantee freedom of conscience is a critical aspect of human rights and civil liberties. Freedom of conscience broadly refers to the right of individuals to hold, change, and manifest their beliefs and thoughts, whether they are religious, secular, moral, or philosophical in nature. Key points related to a government's role in ensuring this freedom include:
Legal Protection of Freedom of Conscience: Governments are expected to protect freedom of conscience through legal frameworks. This involves enshrining these rights in national constitutions and laws, ensuring that individuals can freely hold and change their beliefs without coercion or discrimination.
Non-Discrimination: Governments must ensure that individuals are not discriminated against based on their conscience or beliefs. This applies to various aspects of public life, including employment, education, and access to services.
Balancing Rights: While protecting freedom of conscience, governments also need to balance this right with other rights and public interests. For instance, ensuring that the expression of one's beliefs does not infringe on the rights of others or public safety.
Freedom of Expression and Religion: Freedom of conscience is closely linked with freedom of expression and religion. It not only includes the right to hold beliefs but also the right to express them, individually or in community with others, in public or private.
Secularism and Pluralism: In many democratic societies, the government adopts a secular stance, not favoring or endorsing any particular religion or belief system, thus promoting a pluralistic society where diverse beliefs are respected.
Accommodation of Beliefs: Governments often need to make accommodations for various beliefs, such as allowing exemptions from certain laws or regulations (like dress codes or work on religious holidays) to respect the freedom of conscience.
Education and Awareness: Part of a government's role is to promote tolerance and understanding among different belief systems through education and public awareness campaigns.
Protection from Coercion and Harm: Governments are responsible for protecting individuals from being coerced into abandoning or following a particular set of beliefs, and from harm or harassment due to their beliefs.
International Human Rights Law: This responsibility is also outlined in international human rights treaties, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which many governments are signatories to.
Dialogue and Engagement: Governments can foster environments where dialogue and engagement between different belief systems are encouraged, promoting a culture of mutual respect and understanding.
The right to freedom of conscience is fundamental in allowing individuals to live according to their beliefs. The government plays a crucial role in protecting and nurturing this right, ensuring a tolerant and diverse society.