Deputies develop the concept of state policy in the religious sphere

Jahongir Shirinov, the leader of the group of deputies who initiated the development of this concept, provided detailed information about the document. According to Shirinov, the introduction of religious-specific rules into social relations, undermining the equality of men and women’s rights, refusing to fulfill civil duties, rejecting social ethics, and disregarding national and universal values can be harmful. Other concerns include limiting access to medical services, scientific and cultural achievements, goods, and services, and the failure of some state officials to grasp the essence of secular governance, leading to the spread of ideas that threaten societal development, unity, and stability.

"Such situations pose a threat to the unity of Uzbekistan's people, society, and state. They may lead to non-compliance with the law, violations of others' rights, a negative shift in citizens' attitudes towards legal order, and erosion of patriotic feelings, which could escalate family disputes. The absence of a clear state policy in the religious sphere can lead to varied interpretations by the public, misrepresentation of secular statehood, and the intensification of societal conflicts. Moreover, ignoring scientific and technological achievements and their importance in state and societal development, along with failing to keep pace with the times, complicates the country's position in the global competitive arena," said Jahongir Shirinov.

The draft of this concept, intended for legislative approval, consists of 7 chapters and 41 articles. The aim of state policy in the religious sphere is to create equal conditions for citizens to exercise their freedom of faith, promote mutual respect and understanding among religious organizations of different faiths, strengthen interfaith harmony, and ensure religious tolerance and secularism in society.

The main tasks of state policy in the religious sphere are as follows:

- Ensuring equality before the law and preventing discrimination;
- Strengthening respect for the traditions of Uzbekistan’s multi-ethnic and multi-confessional population;
- Creating equal conditions for citizens' active participation in social life;
- Ensuring freedom of faith without coercively imposing religious views;
- Relying on secularism in the implementation of state policies, in line with the constitution;
- Regulating social relations and the activities of state services and civil society institutions based on secularism;
- Strengthening active civic participation in establishing religious tolerance and legality;