Legal framework on freedom of religion and actual application
In the Preamble to the country’s constitution,[1] Antigua and Barbuda is defined as a sovereign nation that acknowledges “the supremacy of God, the dignity and worth of the human person” and “the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual”.
Under Article 3, everyone is entitled to fundamental human rights and freedoms without distinction of race, place of origin, political opinions or affiliations, colour, creed, or sex. Such rights include freedom of conscience, expression, and peaceful assembly and association, subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and the public interest.[2]
Article 6 acknowledges the right to conscientious objection to military service.[3]
According to Article 11 (1), no one shall be prevented from enjoying freedom of conscience. This includes freedom of thought and religion, the freedom to change one’s religion, and the freedom to manifest and propagate it through worship, teaching, practice, and observance, either individually or collectively, in public and in private.
Other than with an individual’s consent, or the consent of a parent or guardian in the case of minors under the age of 18, no one attending an educational establishment is required to receive religious instruction, or take part in religious services or attend religious ceremonies other than those of the religion they profess (Article 11, 2).
Furthermore, no one shall be compelled to take an oath contrary to their beliefs or in a manner contrary to their religion or beliefs (Article 11, 3).
According to Article 14, no law may discriminate “either of itself or in its effect”, where discrimination means different treatment of people because of their race, place of origin, political opinion or affiliation, colour, creed, or sex.
Ministers of religion cannot be appointed to the Senate (Article 30) or elected to the House of Representatives (Article 39).
Good Friday, Easter, Whit (Pentecost) Monday and Christmas are statutory holidays.[4]
Pursuant to Article 19 of the Education Act of 2008,[5] students may express any religious, political, moral, or other beliefs or opinions, so long as in doing so they do not affect the rights of other students, or of other people in the school.
Article 29 stipulates that admission to a state school may not be denied on grounds such as race, place of origin, creed, or sex.[6]
Religious education is part of the curriculum of state and semi-state schools and is offered following a plan adopted by the school, which cannot include the distinctive catechism of any religion (Article 147). Under Article 11 (2) of the constitution, parents may express their objection to it.
In January 2019, a law was enacted [7] allowing members of religious groups – including but not limited to Rastafarians – to grow, possess, and carry certain amounts of cannabis for religious purposes. Cannabis is also allowed in religious functions, but prior registration with the authorities is required.
Religious organisations are required to register via an online tax form, describing their activities. It is reviewed by the Inland Revenue Department, which decides on the registration. Once registered, groups can benefit from tax exemptions and acquire property.[8]
Incidents and developments
In June 2023, the Christian Ministries Centre decided not to accept cannabis smokers as godparents, considering it incompatible with their role in helping the growth of their godchildren’s faith.[9]
In June 2024, the Antigua & Barbuda Evangelical Alliance (ABEA) expressed concerns about the use of cannabis in public places and sacred spaces, especially during funerals in churches and cemeteries. The group urged the government to undertake an educational campaign to inform the public that cannabis use in public places remains illegal. While defending the religious use of cannabis by Rastafarians, Prime Minister Gaston Browne stressed the need to comply with the law and respect the sacred places of other religions.[10]
An upgrade of Tindall Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church was completed in June 2024 thanks to collaboration between the government and the Church. This is the first place of worship adapted to serve as an emergency shelter capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions. The Department of the Environment selected four churches as part of this program.[11]
National Youth Week was held in August 2024, centred on how youth can support sustainable development through spiritual strength. It began with a religious service attended by government leaders.[12] The same month, the government, concerned about escalating violence amongst youth, invited the Ecclesiastical Commission to offer guidance and provide strategies. One proposal was accepted, namely, a policy decision “that all public schools are to hold devotions at the beginning of each school day”.[13]
In September 2024, the Antigua and Barbuda High Court began hearing opinions concerning an application to overturn the Offences against the Person Act of 1861, which restricts abortion. The issue is divisive in the country, pitting those who consider the law obsolete against religious groups who believe it protects life.[14] The Antigua & Barbuda Evangelical Alliance applied to be considered an interested party.[15]
The government announced a National Day of Prayer in September 2024 amid rising crime and concerns for public safety. According to one media outlet, the government “seeks divine intervention for peace and security”.[16]
Prospects for freedom of religion
No incidents of religious intolerance were reported during the period under review. The government expressed appreciation for the contribution religious groups make to the country. Relations among religions are peaceful. Prospects for freedom of religion are positive.
Sources
Antigua and Barbuda