Legal framework on freedom of religion and actual application
In the preamble to the constitution,[1] the people of Saint Lucia affirm their faith in the supremacy of Almighty God; believe that everyone was created equal before God, with inalienable rights and dignity; recognise that the enjoyment of these rights depends on certain fundamental freedoms, namely freedom of the person, as well as freedom of thought, expression, communication, conscience and association; and that human dignity requires respect for spiritual values.
The constitution upholds equality, declares that no one can be discriminated against on the basis of race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, creed or sex, and recognises certain fundamental rights and freedoms, subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and the public interest (Article 1).
Furthermore, no one shall be treated in a discriminatory manner by any person or authority. Discrimination means providing different or special treatment, totally or partially, to people based on their sex, race, place of origin, political opinion, affiliation, colour, or creed (Article 13, 2 and 3).
No one shall be hindered in the enjoyment of their freedom of conscience, including freedom of thought and religion, the freedom to change religion or belief, and the freedom to express one’s belief, alone or with others, in public or in private, in worship, teaching, practice or observance (Article 9, 1).
Conscientious objection to military service is recognised (Article 4, 3, c).
Other than with their explicit consent (or that of their guardian in the case of those under 18), no one attending an educational establishment or held in prison or serving in the Armed Forces can be required to receive religious instruction or take part in a religious ceremony that is not of the religion they profess (Article 9, 2).
Likewise, no one shall be coerced into taking an oath against, or in a manner contrary to, their beliefs or religion (Article 9, 4).
All religious communities have the right to establish and maintain, at their own expense, educational establishments. They also have the right to provide religious instruction to their members irrespective of whether they receive a government subsidy (Article 9, 3).
Ministers of religion cannot be appointed to the Senate (Article 26, b) or elected to the House of Assembly (Article 32, 1, b).[2]
The country's independence is celebrated each year with a national ecumenical ceremony[3] and government bodies hold thanksgiving ceremonies.[4]
Incidents and developments
In response to the escalation of violent crime, Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire called for a march for peace in April 2023,[5] an initiative appreciated by the government.[6]
In May 2024, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Episcopal Conference of the Antilles, Archbishop Santiago De Wit Guzman, paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.[7] The same month, Cardinal Kelvin Felix, Archbishop Emeritus of Castries, passed away[8] and the prime minister attended his funeral in Dominica.[9]
Also in May 2024, Saint Lucian officials took part in the Caribbean Cannabis Forum to discuss the medical use of cannabis and the Rastafarian heritage.[10]
Prospects for freedom of religion
There were no incidents of intolerance or discrimination and relations between the government and Churches are harmonious. Prospects for freedom of religion are positive.
Saint Lucia