The constitution provides for freedom of religion stating, "no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of conscience, and for the purposes of this section, that freedom includes freedom of thought and of religion, freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance." The government respects this right in practice.
There is some tension between the predominant Hindu community and the minority Christian and Muslim communities. Some Muslims and Creoles complain that there is de facto favoritism for Hindus in higher level employment within the civil service. Also, some Creoles have complained of unfair treatment by the predominantly Indo-Mauritian police force.
Religion that were in existence when the country became independent in 1968 were officially recognized by Parliamentary decree and receive some government support. Newer religions may register with the government if they have a minimum of 7 members.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Mauritius
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