The Midnight Adoption of Europe's Most Restrictive Religion Law

7/21/11
Joseph K. Grieboski

While Communism officially ended in Hungary more than 20 years ago, it appears the dictatorial mindset has not yet fully abated.

On July 12, the Hungarian parliament procured for the country the title of Worst Religion Law in Europe when it rushed after midnight to adopt its new "Law on the Right to Freedom of Conscience and Religion, and on Churches, Religions and Religious Communities."

The passage of such a draconian religion law in Hungary is both saddening and disappointing. This law stands at odds with the newly drafted Hungarian Constitution this author openly applauded just months prior. Unfortunately, the law is a danger to all Hungarian society and a terrible indication of the state of democracy in the country.

More than three hundred currently registered religious organizations will be retroactively stripped of their status as religious communities and "de-registered" as religious organizations, losing key rights and privileges provided to favored Churches. Only 14 religious organizations will retain their registration status, while all others will be forced to "re-register." the rest