The senator of Morena, María Soledad Luévano Cantú, presented on Tuesday in the Senate of the Republic a reform initiative that would allow religious associations to carry out activities in coordination with the three orders of government, participate within the schools of the country and centers of social rehabilitation, and disseminate its precepts through any means of communication.
The initiative seeks “the recognition of rights inherent in religious freedom”, including that of professing and participating individually, in public and in private, in ceremonies or acts of worship; the right to conscientious objection on religious grounds.
The proposed text establishes in Article 1 of the Law on Religious Associations and Public Worship the right to “grant and receive accompaniment, assistance and spiritual advice in accordance with their doctrine and religious profession anywhere, including health or social reintegration centres, assistance institutions, public and private stays,” police facilities, Army, Air Force and Navy units”.
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It also indicates that, by justifying itself in ethical and religious convictions, any person shall have the right to refrain from acting, and that in cases where conscientious objectors are state workers, it will be the government that guarantees the full right of third parties’ rights.
The relevant authorities shall also support religious associations on request to preserve, safeguard, improve and preserve the integrity of temples and property that are archaeological, artistic and historical monuments owned by the nation.
In article three, the opinion clarifies that the Mexican State “is lay”, so it “will therefore fully guarantee the human right to freedom of religion of all persons and exercise its authority in the matter”, and that it “may not establish any kind of preference or privilege in favor of any religion”.
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However, he says, “the above will not prevent collaboration between them and the State in the joint promotion of the cultural and social development of people, through the mechanisms provided for in the corresponding laws”.
Regarding the association for political purposes of the ministers of worship, the text proposes that they may not proselytizing or political propaganda, that is, calling to vote for a candidate or party in premises for public use or in the media; nor may they make or promote economic contributions to political parties, candidates or candidates for a popular election position.
“Without prejudice to the secularity of the State, the authorities may assist in their nature acts of public worship, as well as activities that have similar motives or purposes,” the initiative states.
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According to the senator, with this reform, “we hope that believers and non-believers will enjoy the broadest freedom of conscience, ethical and religious convictions to contribute to the enrichment of public debate, and the strengthening of ethical and religious values rooted in popular cultures.”
About the initiative, the leader of Morena’s seat in the Senate, Ricardo Monreal, said his party’s lawmakers will discuss Soledad Luévano’s proposal, for his endorsement.
“Without precipitation or regression, all voices will be heard,” he said.
Senators exercise their right of initiative, but it has to be discussed in the Parliamentary Group, for their endorsement. This will be the case with the one presented by the Sen. @SoledadLuevano about religious freedom. Without precipitation or regression, all voices will be heard.
— Ricardo Monreal A. (@RicardoMonrealA) December 17, 2019
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