Parents (or persons acting in their place) may, by mutual consent, raise their children in accordance with their own religious beliefs and attitude toward religion.
According to APA, this is reflected in the new draft law “On Children’s Rights,” which was discussed at today’s meeting of the Milli Majlis Human Rights Committee.
Under the draft, forcing children to practice religion is prohibited. A child’s religious upbringing must not have a negative impact on their physical and mental health. Restrictions on a child’s freedom of religion may be imposed only in cases provided for by law, in the interests of public safety, to ensure public order, and to protect health, morality, or the rights and freedoms of others.
It is noted that every child has freedom of conscience, and everyone must respect a child’s freedom of conscience.
Under the current law, every child has freedom of conscience, thought, and speech. Parents, other persons, and state bodies must respect the child’s freedom of conscience, thought, and speech. Involving a child in religious rituals that have a harmful effect on the child’s health is prohibited.
