RFE/RL - 06.20.2003

from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Legislators Mull Revising Law on Religion and Freedom of Conscience

Some legislators, representatives of various religions, and state
officials have been discussing revising federal legislation governing
religion, "Rossiiskaya gazeta" reported on 19 June. State Duma Committee
for Public and Religious Associations Chairman Viktor Zorkaltsev
(Communist) told the daily that either amendments need to be introduced
to some 150 laws or, in the best case, a new "code on religion" should be 
adopted. However, Andrei Sebentsov, deputy chairman of the governmental
Commission on Religious Organizations, said that the adoption of such a
code would violate the principle of separation of church and state.
According to the newspaper, the discussion so far is revolving around a
second version of the law on freedom of conscience. "Nezavisimaya gazeta" 
on 9 June reported that an interfactional deputy group has been formed in 
the State Duma called "In Support of Traditional Spiritual and Moral
Values." The newspaper alleged that members of the group represent the
various religions in Russia. For example, Communist Deputy Sergei Glazev
represents the interests of the Russian Orthodox Church, while People's
Deputy Deputy Gadzhi Makhachev represents Muslims, and Unity Deputy Gasan 
Mirzoev represents the Jews. JAC