To teach a religion or belief in places suitable for these purposes;

This phrase pertains to facilities or spaces appropriate to the teaching of a religion or belief, not on the right to teach. It covers the right of a religion or belief to have schools, seminaries, academic institutions and other facilities devoted to these purposes. There are instances where a religion or belief has been allowed to be taught in a country, but where they cannot get permits to build or rent structures for such purposes. This amounts to harassment, intolerance and discrimination. In some countries, national constitutions and laws say it is not suitable to teach a religion or belief in a public school. Such countries strictly observe separation of church and state principles if a dogma or creed is asked to be taught in a school where there are students from many diverse religious and non-religious traditions. If it is a curriculum on world history of religion or belief this is usually allowed. General Comment 22 on Article 18 says; “The Committee notes that public education that includes instruction in a particular religion or belief is inconsistent with Article 18 unless provision is made for non-discriminatory exemptions or alternatives that would accommodate the wishes of parents or legal guardians.”

Related Examples

• Israel: According to the World Report on Freedom of Religion or Belief, published by the University of Essex, says there are two separate educational systems in Israel, one Jewish and one non-Jewish, each with different budgets. Primary and secondary education for Palestinians living in Israel is poorly funded and the provision of teachers, buildings, facilities and equipment is inadequate compared with Jewish schools.

Learning Experiences

Your Community Resources database should list all of the places where a religion or belief is taught in your community. Research and interview schools and places of worship to get an impression of whether or not these are places suitable for teaching. Interview the local government office that issues permits for building to see if any religion or belief was denied a permit for any reason.

TOPIC NOTES

Term 6.1.5: Teach in Places Suitable for the Purpose

To teach a religion or belief in places suitable for these purposes;

Review religious leaders and government officials to see what rules and regulations there are to get a permit for building a place suitable to teach a religion or belief. If such permits were denied explain below.