Chapter XVIII: Section III: Religion and Religious Bodies

ARTICLE 135.

All residents in the Realm enjoy entire freedom of faith and of conscience. The undisturbed practice of religion is guaranteed by the constitution and under the protection of the State. General legislation shall not be affected thereby.

ARTICLE 136.

The free exercise of religious practices shall neither condition nor limit the civil and constitutional rights and duties of citizens.

Enjoyment of civil and constitutional rights and entry into public office are independent of religious faith.

No person is bound to publish his religious convictions. The public authorities may not inquire into any person's membership of a religious body except where rights and duties or a legally instituted statistical census are involved.

No person may be forced to take part in any religious act or ceremony or to be present at any religious service or to adopt any religious form of oath.

ARTICLE 137.[39]

There is no State Church.

Freedom of association in religious bodies is guaranteed. No limits shall be imposed on the formation of religious associations within the Realm.

Every religious association shall order and administer its own affairs independently, subject to general legislative limitations. Such associations shall appoint to their offices without co-operation of the State or the local authorities.

Religious associations acquire a juridic personality according to the general regulations in the Civil Code.

Religious associations retain the status of public corporations if they have previously enjoyed it. Other religious associations may obtain it, on demand, should their constitution and their membership guarantee their permanent character. Should several such public corporate bodies join to form one federation, such federation is itself a public corporate body.

Religious associations which are public corporate bodies may tax their members on the basis of the rate assessments and subject to Land legislation.

Associations whose aim is to promote the cult of a common view of life shall be on a par with religious associations.

The Land Legislatures shall be responsible for any further regulation of the application of these principles.

ARTICLE 138.

The Land Legislatures shall discharge any liabilities due to religious bodies in virtue of a law, contract, or deed. The Realm shall lay down general principles on this matter.

The property of religious bodies and religious associations shall be guaranteed, as also their rights in respect of their institutions, foundations, and other funds devoted to worship, education, and social welfare.[40]

ARTICLE 139.

Sundays and feast days recognised by the State are maintained as holidays and days of spiritual refreshment.

ARTICLE 140.

Men on military service must be granted sufficient free time to fulfil their religious duties.

ARTICLE 141.

In so far as a need of religious services and of religious ministration makes itself felt in the army, in hospitals, prisons, or other public institutions, admission shall be accorded to religious associations, but in this there shall be no compulsion.