KUWAIT CITY, Feb 18: Deputy Chairman of Kuwait Graduates Society Dr Bader Al-Dehani said the demolition of churches is totally unacceptable as it is against the Kuwait Constitution, reports Al-Jaridah daily.

Dr Al-Dehani reminded that according to Article 6 of the Constitution, Kuwait is a democratic state and some Kuwaitis are Christians who have right to practice their chosen religious belief as permitted in the Constitution.

He also said that many expatriates are Christians, who have right to their individual religious beliefs.
“It is inimical to democratic principles that revolve around values, tolerance, mutual respect and preservation of freedom to demolish any mosque, church or other places of worship,” he emphasized.
In his comment, MP Ahmad Lari reiterated that demolition of churches or forbidding construction of new ones is not the priority of the National Assembly at the beginning of new parliamentary term and even in future.

He said people should have the right of worship according to their beliefs. He noted that Christians have been enjoying peaceful stay in this country for a long period, so the social peace should not be broken.
He said Kuwaitis are peace-loving and tolerant people, so nobody should deprive others the right to practice their religious beliefs.

Secretary General of Democratic Platform, Yousef Al-Shayeji, said the intention to demolish churches violates Article 2 which is being canvassed for amendment. He concluded, “We pray for God’s protection if this is how you people will start.”

Board Chairperson of Women Socio-Cultural Society, Sheikha Al-Nisf denounced the call for demolition of churches by MP Osama Al-Munawer.

She said Kuwait is an institutional state governed by the Constitution. She regarded the demand for demolition as extremism and provoking debate in polity and said it is an affront against the civil and democratic.

Meanwhile, MP Osama Al-Munawer might not be in his right mind when he announced his plan to submit a proposal on the removal of all churches from Kuwait, reports Al-Watan Arabic daily quoting MP Nabeel Al-Fadhl.

Admitting he was shocked when he heard about his colleague’s intention, Al-Fadhl pointed out the Constitution of Kuwait guarantees freedom to practice one’s beliefs, so no one has the right to impose restrictions on the followers of other religions. He said the late Amir of Kuwait HH Sheikh Abdallah Al-Salim had asked all the leaders after him to provide churches for the Christians and allow them to practice their religion. He added Al-Munawer does not realize that if the Christian countries take a similar step, then thousands of Muslims will suffer more than what the Christians might go through once his proposal is implemented.