E/CN.4/1991/56 page 5 21. (a) In national legislation or practice, is a distinction made between religion, religious sects and religious associations? If so. what criteria are used for determining which ones are legal or illegal? Albania "Freedom of religious belief exists and is considered to be a matter of conscience. In legislation as well as in practice, no distinction is made between religions, religious sects or religious associations." The Bahamas "No distinction is made between religion, religious sects and religious associations." Bahrain The Government of Bahrain did not provide a specific answer to this question but indicated that the basic law of the State of Bahrain (the Constitution), as well as its general legislation, prohibited discrimination among religious communities, unions and religious organizations, regardless of the faiths, beliefs or ideologies that they professed. It was further indicated that the State guarantees full freedom of religious observance and assembly, without distinction or discrimination, and that all persons were regarded as equal before the law. Bangladesh "In our national legislations or practice, no distinction is made between religion, religious sects and religious associations. In our Constitution, the equality of every citizen before law has been not only guaranteed but also implemented through the courts of law. The right of every citizen to equality before the law and the equal protection of the laws is directed against both legislative and the executive organs of the State, including all subordinate authorities." Chile In its reply, the Government of Chile did not provide a specific answer to this question, but stated that "no religious faith has been denied legal personality or had it annulled". China The Government of China did not provide a specific answer to this question. However, in its general reply, it referred thereto as follows: "In China all religions enjoy equal status and there is not a particular dominating religion. The Chinese Government encourages religions to respect each other and to coexist in harmony. The State protects the legitimate rights of religious bodies which can manage religious affairs independently according to their own characteristics. This policy of the Chinese Government is in keeping with the basic interests of all nationalities in China and promotes social stability."