E/CN.4/1991/56
page 6
Colombia
In its reply, the Government of Colombia did not provide a specific
answer to this question, but stated the following:
"... Colombian legislation does not make a distinction between religion,
religious sects and religious associations. The criteria that confer legal
status on them are based on recognition by the Government through the granting
of legal personality; this makes them subject to rights and obligations, in
the same way as natural persons."
Cuba
"In Cuba citizens are guaranteed the right to manifest the religion of
their choice and to practise their belief without any limitations other than
respect for public order and the law, in accordance with the provisions of
article 54 of the Constitution of the Republic.
There is no legal distinction between religion, religious
religious associations; equal consideration is therefore given
religions and religious beliefs. Consequently, we do not have
religion or a State religion, nor do we have a privileged or a
religion.
sects and
to all
an official
persecuted
Religions, religious sects and religious associations enjoy equal legal
status under the relevant legislation in Cuba."
Dominica
"There is no distinction made between religion, religious sects and
religious associations in the legislation of the Commonwealth of Dominica."
Dominican Republic
"Article 8, paragraph 8, of the 1966 Constitution of the Dominican
Republic establishes 'freedom of conscience and worship, subject to public
order and respect for public morals'."
Ecuador
"The Constitution now in force prohibits in article 19, paragraph 5, 'any
discrimination on grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political
or other affiliation, social origin, economic situation or birth ...'.
Further on, in the same article, paragraph 6 guarantees 'freedom of
conscience and religion, individually or in community with others, in public
or private. Individuals shall be free to practise the religion professed by
them, subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law to protect
public safety and morals or the fundamental rights of other individuals'.
These articles show that no distinction is made between religions,
religious sects and religious associations, since freedom of worship has the
support of the Ecuadorian State, provided it is subject to the provisions of
paragraph 6, in view of the need to protect the fundamental guarantees of all
Ecuadorians."