KUWAIT: Curtailing Christians’ religious freedom by removing churches violates the country’s laws, and is an affront to the tolerant image of Islam and Kuwaiti society, said Jamaal Al-Shehab , Minister of Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. This was his first public comment to reports about a lawmaker’s plans to submit a draft law banning the construction of new churches.
Reassuring that the Constitution promotes freedom of religious belief and practice, Al-Shehab recognized MPs’ right to use constitutional tools, adding that religious scholars should be consulted to limit the number of churches operating here. Al-Shehab described the demolition of all churches in Kuwait as illegal, unconstitutional and in violation of Islamic regulations.
Islamist MP Osama Al-Munawer, on the other hand, clarified that he has not called for removing the existing churches in Kuwait, but does not approve of building more Christian worship places. “Kuwait already has enough churches to cater to the needs of the state’s Christian minority.” He clarified on Friday that the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has issued a license to construct a new church. Al-Munawer said that he plans to submit a parliamentary inquiry on the subject to minister Al-Shehab. “We respect freedom of religious practice for followers of other faiths, yet it’s illogical to agree with every demand that falls in line with their beliefs,” the Islamist lawmaker said. “Should we legalize alcohol for example just because its consumption is allowed in other religions?”he asked.
Shiite MP Ahmad Lari asserted that building churches complies with freedom of religious belief and practice “which the Constitution lays down,” adding on Friday that any restrictions imposed on this freedom violates constitutional principles. — Al-Rai
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