Social

Home page

Social

Azerbaijan prohibits forcing children to practice religion

03 March 2026 12:24 (UTC +04:00)

Forcing children to practice religion is prohibited, APA reports.

This is reflected in the new draft law "On the Rights of the Child", which was put up for discussion at today's session of the Milli Majlis.

Under the draft, parents (or persons acting in their place) may, by mutual consent, raise their children in accordance with their own religious beliefs and attitude toward religion. Forcing children to practice religion is prohibited. A child’s religious upbringing must not have a negative impact on their physical and mental health. Restrictions on a child’s freedom of religion may be imposed only in cases provided for by law, in the interests of public safety, to ensure public order, and to protect health, morality, or the rights and freedoms of others.

It is noted that every child has freedom of conscience, and everyone must respect a child’s freedom of conscience.

Recall that under the current law, every child has freedom of conscience, thought, and speech. Parents, other persons, and state bodies must respect the child’s freedom of conscience, thought, and speech. Involving a child in religious rituals that have a harmful effect on the child’s health is prohibited.

The draft law was put to a vote and adopted in the third reading.