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(d) Recognize that men and institutions remain free only when freedom is
founded upon respect for moral and spiritual values and upon the rule of law.
Sections 4 and 11 (copies attached) seem adequate to cover questions at (a),
(b), (c), (d), and (g)."
Bolivia
No distinction is made in Bolivian legislation or practice between
religion, religious sects and religious associations. Churches and religious
associations and institutions are considered legal if they have legal
personality, which entitles them to conduct their activities anywhere in the
national territory.
Botswana
"There is no distinction made in national legislation or practice between
religion, religious sects or associations."
Burkina Faso
In its reply, the Government of Burkina Faso did not refer specifically
to this question, but stated the following:
"Burkina Faso has just adopted, on 2 June 1991, a Constitution
guaranteeing firstly a republican and secular form of State and secondly the
exercise of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of belief and religion.
This means that in our country no distinction is made in any legislation
or any administrative or judicial practice between religions and religious
sects with regard to religious practice.
In Burkina Faso all religions are free to carry on their activities and
do not need any special authorization for the purpose.
However, when members or leaders of a religious denomination decide to
set up an association of a religious nature, they have to comply with the
legislative provisions in force."
Canada
"Both the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and human rights
legislation refer to religion in general, with no distinction made between
religion, religious sects and religious associations. Furthermore, both the
Charter and human rights legislation have been interpreted to apply to
minority as well as to majority religions. Indeed, it has been emphasized by
the Supreme Court of Canada that the primary purpose of section 2 (a) of the
Charter, which guarantees freedom of religion, is to safeguard religious
minorities from the threat of the 'tyranny of the majority1 (R. v. Big M Drug
Mart Ltd., (1985) 1 S.C.R. 295); and of section 15, which guarantees equality
rights, to protect disadvantaged groups (Law Society of British Colombia v.
Andrews, (1989) 1 S.C.R. 143).