Overview:

• There does not exist an officially differentiated recognition and registration system; legal registration is receiving greater focus currently; bilateral cooperation agreements exist for the major established denominations and provide for an indirect form of official recognition yet the opportunity for smaller communities to access their own cooperation agreements seems limited, especially considering the present status of VUSH (Evangelical Protestantism) in the country.

• The registration process for a religious group (not a belief system) seems fairly straightforward, however, dubious is the state’s requirement of specifics on group activities, the identity of its founders and legal representatives, the nature of its interactions with other stakeholders, and the address of the organisation. These requirements of information seem appropriate, yet the means by which this information will be used by the government should be of cause for a degree of concern.

• A registration fee of $10 is not inappropriate and does not contradict the Bielefeldt provision.

• It remains unclear whether recognition with a district court equates to the recognition of the group nationally.

Positive elements:

• Secular government.

• Provisions are put in place for reporting discrimination.

Recommendations:

• Establish distinct procedures for existential recognition.