LAW NO06/2012 OF 17/02/2012 DETERMINING ORGANISATION AND FUNCTIONING OF RELIGIOUS-BASED ORGANISATIONS

Article One: Purpose of this Law
This Law determines organization and functioning of religious-based organisations.

Article 2: Definitions of Terms.
For the purpose of this Law, the following terms shall have the following meaning:
Io members of a religious-based organisation: members who founded a religious-based organisation and other members who are allowed to join later;

2° right and freedom of worship: freely expressing views and practices related to one’s beliefs whether individually or as a group either publicly or privately;

3° religious-based organisation: an organisation whose members share same beliefs, cult and practice.

Article 3: Freedom of worship
Every one shall enjoy freedom of worship without a prior authorization. Freedom of worship shall be exercised in accordance with the appropriate legal provisions.

Freedom to practise and show one’s belief in a religious-based organisation of his/her choice shall be subject to legal provisions and shall not
jeopardize security, public order and health, morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.

Article 4: Anthorisation to operate in Rwanda
In order to operate in Rwanda, any religious-based organisation shall first apply for registration with the competent authority.

Article 5: Activities of religious-based organisations
Religious-based organisations shall be free to choose their own activities. Such activities shall be carried out according to legal provisions pertaining thereto.

However, they shall not be allowed to engage in profit generating activities or in such activities of which members intend to share revenues among themselves.

They cannot engage in activities that would enable them achieve political power like seeking support or organise debates to support a political organisation or a candidate, facilitate organization or registration or any other way to support any potential candidates for any public office.

Article 6: Freedom to public statements
The provisions of Article 5 of this Law do not prohibit religious-based organisations or their representatives from making public statements to express their views on social relations or human beliefs.