The Slovak Republic came into existence on January 1, 1993, when Czechoslovakia was divided. The constitution guarantees equality before the law without regard to religion. The Slovak nation is a party to several international treaties on human rights and other basic agreements which take precedence over Slovak law when they provide greater rights and liberties than the constitution.
The government provides subsidies to religious organizations which it recognizes. However, in order to be recognized and officially registered, a religious organization must have at least 20,000 members. Existing law states that only registered organizations have the explicit right to conduct public worship services and activities. While the state has not specifically outlawed any religious groups or activities, the situation for new religious movements is very difficult.
The Catholic Church has considerable influence with the government. Together with the Lutheran, Reformed and some other recognized churches, they have formed an anti-sect study group. The government has accepted this group as the authority on new religious movements. Several government ministers have adopted an anti-sect mentality.
The Director of the religious department in the Ministry of Culture has spoken out specifically on television against the Unification Church. The Unification Church is unable to register in Slovakia. The media has taken the attitude that all new religions are dangerous.
2003 US State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Slovak Republic
Oslo Coalition on Freedom of Religion or Belief Report on Slovak Republic
Religious education treaty passes amidst protests WorldWide Religious News, 2/02/04
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