Maldives Considering Ban On Public Worship By Non-Muslims

Maldives parliament, the People's Majlis, is considering a bill to outlaw building of places of worship for non-Muslim religions and to prohibit the practice of other faiths in public. (Minivan News, Nov. 18). The bill will allow non-Muslim foreigners to worship in the privacy of their homes, but they could not invite Maldivians to participate. Violations of the law would carry jail terms of up to five years and fines of up to $4600 (US). Maldives constitution already prohibits non-Muslims from becoming citizens. On Friday, Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed said he would seek advice from religious scholars on whether it is permissible to allow non-Muslims to worship in an Islamic community. (Minivan News.) He says it is clear that under the constitution, laws that are contrary to Islam cannot be enacted. The bill was apparently triggered in part by the government's proposal to create wedding tourism in the country, as well as by inquiries from foreigners about creating houses of worship.