E/CN.4/1987/35 page 11 legislative provisions in various countries endangers in varying degrees the principle of freedom of religion and belief as defined by the Declaration, or hampers its practical implementation. 32. Some legislative provisions actually involve various degrees of discrimination in the exercise of religious rights and freedoms. In some cases, a constitution recognizes a particular religion as the official or State religion, thereby conferring on it a special status. Sometimes, a given ideology acquires this official status, entailing certain advantages over other denominations or beliefs. For example, some laws penalize any attempt to change the secular nature of the State or recognize the right to disseminate anti-religious propaganda without tolerating the right to disseminate religious propaganda. Sometimes, one or several religions are recognized by legislation to the detriment of other denominations or beliefs; for example, in some countries, the law lists recognized denominations and places them under State control. Alternatively, it encourages monotheism to the detriment of other beliefs. In some cases, the Constitution determines the religious minorities to which legal status is granted, to the exclusion of others. Discrimination is carried to extremes when the law declares certain religions or denominations to be unlawful and punishes the act of belonging to or practising them. 33. In some cases, the principle of freedom of conscience and religion is subjected by legislation to certain restrictions. For example, sometimes this right has to be exercised in accordance with the requirements of the law. Certain countries prohibit proselytism in their legislation or regard conversion or apostasy as an offence or crime. Lastly, certain laws punish religious activities of which the State disapproves. 2. Governmental policy 34. In addition to legislative provisions, the attitude adopted by governmental authorities on questions of religion or belief may have considerable influence on the implementation of the principles set forth in the Declaration. The information collected denotes many instances where the policy followed by the Government runs counter to the ideals of tolerance and respect for freedom of belief and religion. Such a policy can be pursued directly through decrees and instructions issued by the Government, reflected in more or less violent conflicts between government officials and followers of a religion or belief, or implemented indirectly by inciting to or promoting intolerance. 35. Some countries have undertaken campaigns for the forced assimilation of religious minorities, which may involve arbitrary changes to the names of places or of persons that have a particular religious connotation. In many cases, religious buildings or premises have been confiscated, converted to other uses or sometimes demolished under various pretexts, such as that of the need to rebuild certain districts. Sometimes, officials mandated by the Government carry out attacks against the houses of private individuals belonging to a religion or sect not recognized by the authorities. In some countries, confrontations occur between the forces of order and elements belonging to a given religion. In the same countries, the Government may impose restrictions on certain religious or cultural practices or attire closely associated with religious values. Sometimes, governmental