FOR SA opposed state regulation of religion

Facts:

In 2016, the CRL Rights Commission—a state institution—released a report that identified abuses in the religious sector, proposing state regulation as the solution. Their report sought to establish “peer review mechanisms,” controlled by the CRL, which would force every religious leader to join a State-approved umbrella organisation. The State would determine acceptable standards for religious leaders, including doctrine and academic qualifications, and issue licences to those who met them. Leaders who failed this “acceptability test” would be prohibited from preaching, teaching, or expressing their faith.

This proposal would have dismantled any meaningful right to religious freedom. The autonomy of religious institutions and the right of individuals to freely practise their faith were under direct threat. FOR SA fought tirelessly for four years, leveraging media, engaging Parliament, and making formal submissions to defend religious freedom. We highlighted that the abuses identified by the CRL were already punishable under existing laws, and state regulation would do nothing to enforce these laws better. In fact, no criminal act can ever be justified under the guise of religious freedom.

In the end, Parliament agreed, deciding against implementing the CRL’s recommendations. They stated, “We must be mindful not to use the abuses of religion as a motivation to introduce regulations that would infringe on the rights and freedoms of religious individuals and organisations.”

Without FOR SA’s Involvement

Without FOR SA’s dedication, the result could have been very different. State regulation would have dictated who qualifies as a religious leader and controlled which religious organisations are permitted to operate. Thanks to FOR SA, religious freedom was upheld, allowing people of all faiths to worship, teach, and live their beliefs free from state interference.