Article 30 of the Constitution of the Republic of Laos states that all citizens have the “right and freedom to believe or not believe in religion.” Article 9 specifies that the state respects and protects all lawful activities of the Buddhist monks and other religious followers and encourages monks to participate in activities which are beneficial to the common people. Any acts creating division among religions is prohibited.
In practice, the government encourages Buddhism and supports Buddhist organizations while it places restrictions on several other faiths, in particular Christianity. High ranking government officials attend Buddhist functions, prominent monks are featured at state and party functions and Buddhist festivals are celebrated with no interference from the government.
The Prime minister issued Decree 92 in July 2002 in an attempt to clarify issues of religious rights and practice. The Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) oversees religious practice. Links with coreligionists in other countries requires government approval. While the government allows nongovernmental organizations with religious links to work in the country, it forbids proselytizing by foreigners and restricts the import of religious publications. Citizens are allowed by Decree 92 to proselytize.
Enforcement of religious regulations varies in different provinces. In the highlands and much of the north, the Catholic Church is unable to operate, while in the south and central portions of the country Catholics are free to attend church. There are between 250 and 300 Protestant congregations in the country. There have been several reports of ministers being arrested for criticizing other religions. The authorities and the ruling People’s Revolutionary Party view many Lao Christians with suspicion as being under foreign influence. There have been reports that at times Christians have been barred from party membership or government employment. There have also been unconfirmed reports that rural Lao have been prevented from converting to the Baha’i faith. In Vientiane, however, there is a Baha’i center as well as two mosques which operate openly.
Since March 1998, there have been a number of arrests of Christians in Laos. It may be that increased persecution is taking place as a result of changes occuring in the government. Previously the positions of General Secretary and Prime Minister were held by one person, Mr. Khamtay. That arrangement changed recently with the former Vice President, Mr. Sisiva assuming the position as Prime Minister. Apparantly, there are several factions in the government, some of whom oppose Christianity and others who favor tolerance. This has resulted in sporatic outbreaks of persecution amidst a general climate of tolerance.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Laos
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