Controversial Religious Bill Project in Ecuador

A project of Organic Law on Religious Profession & Secular Ethics for Ecuador, which has not yet reached the Assembly, has been described by social and religious organizations as an experiment to limit religious freedoms.

The document, which includes 99 articles, was written by Pablo Villagomez, a career diplomat, who after the wave of criticism for or against it, prefers to remain silent. Today he holds the position of undersecretary of North America and Europe, in the Foreign Ministry. His proposal has not yet reached to the National Assembly.

Some ideas of the project:

NO TO RELIGIOUS PROCESSIONS

Religious organizations may have religious services at authorized places of worship, never publicly (outside of the assigned spots).

SECULAR EDUCATION

All schools, whether they receive any kind of aid by the state or not, are not allowed to provide religious instruction as an elective or ordinary subject.

MEDIA

Religious organizations can neither be the owners of media nor use them for religious indoctrination to spread their moral dogmas.

RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS

Religious symbols, altars, chapels or religious objects cannot be shown in state institutions or places that provide public services.

STATE WORKERS

Employees and government officials are not allowed to participate in religious ceremonies and activities within or outside the country, as State representatives.

RELIGIOUS ARTICLES

All government institutions will refrain from using religious articles for hearings, conventions and official acts.

NO FUNERAL MASS

Funeral ceremonies made by public entities will have no religious expressions or manifestations.

ON CAMPUS

Students may not carry signs or clothing with which they may express their membership to a religious cult or may show their school beliefs.

Source: Daily El Comercio