E/CN.4/1992/52 page 93 A religious sect, as distinguished from a religious association, is a group of individuals initiated into a certain religious practice and usuallybound to each other by a secret act of solidarity. It does not encourage the existence of religious sects, which are often a source of intolerance, fanaticism and practices prejudicial to the preservation of man's life and physical integrity." "Haitian legislation makes no distinction between religions, religious sects and religious associations. No such distinctions exist in practice. All religious denominations are equal." Iceland "No distinction is made between these concepts." Iran (Islamic Republic of) "The basis of state in the Islamic Republic of Iran is Islam and Twelver Ja'fari school. Other Islamic schools, including the Hanafi. Shafi'it Maliki. Hanbali and Zeydi are accorded full respect, and their followers are free to act in accordance with their own jurisprudence in performing their religious rites. These schools enjoy official status in matters pertaining to religious education, affairs of personal status (marriage, divorce, inheritance and wills) and related litigation in courts of law. Religious minorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran are Zoroastrians, Jews and Christians who are free to perform their religious rites and ceremonies, and to act according to their own canon in matters of personal affairs and religious education." Ireland "No." Israel "1. The State of Israel is committed to the equal application of the law to all its inhabitants, without distinction between religion, religious sect or religious association. All persons in Israel have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right includes the freedom to have a religion of choice, and the freedom, individually or communally, to practise that religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching. 2. The maintenance of the dignity of man is axiomatic in the life of the State. This important principle was expressed in the Proclamation of Independence of the State of Israel on the day of its establishment on 14 May 1948: