In the opinion regarding Montenegrin Draft Law in Freedom of Religion, Venice Commission praises efforts of Montenegrin authorities to replace the Law from 1977 with the new, modern Law.
Legal experts of the Council of Europe welcome the fact that the draft law clearly stipulates that the registration of religious communities is not mandatory and does not represent a requirement for enjoying rights to freedom of religion.
Draft Law respects the autonomy of religious communities to decide about their own names and symbols. The same rule applies to the draft law on the rights of religious communities, registered or non-registered, religious teaching and formation of religious schools.
As far as the process of the application of draft law is concerned, authorities should hold inclusive and efficient consultation with the public, including the representatives of religious communities. It is also recommended that the Government consult ombudsman office.
The Draft Law has provoked strong reactions of official Belgrade, Serbian Orthodox Church and Metropolitanate.
President Milo Đukanović and PM, Mr Duško Marković said that they wouldn’t allow anybody meddle into internal affairs of sovereign state of Montenegro.
