Limitations to Freedom of Religion or Belief in Georgia: Legislation and State Policy

Abstract

This article demonstrates legal and non-legal limitations of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Georgia, characterized by an absence of relevant case law of common courts about restrictions to FoRB with legitimate aims. Instead, the State is using various instruments for interference, such as administrative barriers and artificial obstacles for religious communities. In certain occasions, its policy and practice do not comply with the constitutional principles and international human rights commitments of the country. The State’s preferential treatment of the dominant and influential religious institution, the Georgian Orthodox Church, ostracises other religious communities. This is further aggravated by the attempts of securitising and weaponising FoRB.