The constitution provides for religious freedom but at the same time requires that foreign religious groups must coordinate their activities and the appointment of their leaders in Kazakhstan with the government. The National Religious Law does not require that religious organizations register, however, in order to have the legal status necessary to rent property, have bank accounts, etc., it is necessary to register. Furthermore, many local governments require that groups register locally as well as nationally. A provision in the Administrative Code enacted in February 2001, gives local authorities the power to suspend the activities of unregistered religious groups. Some religious leaders have been fined for "declining to register."
The government has been concerned about growth of religious extremism. "Extremist religious groups" are banned. Foreign missionaries and groups such as the Jehovah's Witnesses and Baptists have complained of harassment and abuse by lower level officials.
2003 U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Report on Kazakhstan
CENTRAL ASIA: State policy towards Muslims in Central Asia WorldWide Religious News, 2/16/04
KAZAKHSTAN: Religious freedom survey, February 2004 WorldWide Religious News, 2/12/04
KAZAKHSTAN: Mosques resist pressure to join state-recognised central organisation WorldWide Religious News, 1/20/04
State policy towards religious minorities in Central Asia WorldWide Religious News, 1/20/04
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