The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom and provide for a secular state. The constitutional court determines rules on religious matters. In recent years the court determined that it is illegal to block access of any group to its religious premises and that discussion and debate regarding religious belief is a protected right of free speech.
The Ministry of National Defense was permitted to intervene in conflicts between religious groups to ensure public order and social peace, provided that the intervention complied with the principle of state neutrality in religious affairs.
Persons who wish to form a religious group must register with the Ministry of the Interior. Registration requirements are the same for all religious groups.
Government officials accord respect to prominent leaders of all religious groups by attending induction ceremonies, funerals, and other religious celebrations. Police provide security for any religious event upon request.
In accordance with the constitution, public schools are not authorized to provide religious instruction; however, religious groups are permitted to establish private schools.
The government observes the following religious holidays as national holidays: the Birth of the Prophet Muhammad, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Assumption Day, Eid al-Fitr, All Saints’ Day, Tabaski, Christmas, and Traditional Religions Day.