New law imposes penalties for the illegal religious education of minors

Administrative liability has been introduced for involving children in illegal religious education under a new law adopted on February 20. The law includes amendments aimed at further strengthening the protection of children's rights.  

According to the amendment to the Law *On Guarantees of the Rights of the Child*, parents or guardians have the right to raise their children with religious and moral values in line with their personal beliefs. However, enrolling a child in religious education that violates legal requirements—such as sending them to unregistered or unlicensed organizations, or to individuals lacking formal religious education and authorization from Uzbekistan's central governing body of religious organizations—is prohibited.  

Additionally, an amendment to the Code of Administrative Responsibility stipulates that parents or guardians who involve a child in illegal religious education will face a fine ranging from five to ten times the minimum wage.  

If the violation is repeated within a year of the initial penalty, the offender will be subject to a fine of ten to fifteen times the minimum wage or administrative detention of up to 15 days.  

The law will take effect upon its official publication.  

It is worth noting that on the same day, February 20, the Senate’s fourth plenary session approved the law *On Ensuring Freedom of Conscience of Citizens in the Republic of Uzbekistan and Approving the Concept of State Policy in the Religious Sphere.