Foreigners must be allowed to build their own worship places

Council’s decision on church a victory for rule of law

CANCELLATION of the Municipal Council’s decision on rejecting a request for the construction of a Catholic church in Mahboula is considered a victory for the rule of law and it will have a positive impact on the Constitution of Kuwait.Legally speaking, there was no majority at Al-Ahmadi Committee when the council rejected the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to allocate land for the construction of a new church in Mahboula. Article 35 of the Constitution also states that freedom of belief is absolute. Kuwait protects people’s freedom to practice their own religion in accordance with the customs and provided they do not violate public policies or morals.On the practical level, Kuwait needs to clearly define the range of religious freedom. There should be a stable understanding in the society and public bodies for freedom of belief or to practice one’s own religion within the limits of the universal understanding of basic human rights and international conventions.The government, National Assembly and Municipal Council should prioritize the rights of non-Muslims, especially when their population is growing. Churches must be considered worship places in Kuwait and should be managed in a responsible way because religion influences the activities of thousands of expatriates in this country. We cannot claim to be protectors of the freedom of belief and religion without allowing the people to build their own worship places or churches. Kuwait has been regarded a country of abundance and freedom since its inception 300 years ago, particularly after 1899 when the country became a protectorate of the British Empire by signing the protection agreement with Sheikh Mubarak as its representative. It has opened its doors to immigrants from surrounding areas like Mesopotamia, Iran, Palestine and Lebanon.In coordination with our wise leaders and following in the footsteps of our forefathers, we have to preserve our history and adopt the changes to be in line with the modern times, especially when most newcomers abide by the law and rules of the country.
Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal - Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/161676/reftab/73/t/Foreigners-must-be-allowed-to-build-their-own-worship-places/Default.aspx