Exploitation of places of worship for political, non-religious aims banned in Kuwait

KUWAIT CITY, July 19: Decree Law No. 72/2026 was issued concerning the regulation of the establishment and management of places of worship, except places of worship established or managed by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs The law, published in the official gazette “Kuwait Al-Youm” on Sunday, includes 30 articles addressing the law’s objectives and the establishment of a “Places of Worship Committee.” Article 2 of the law states, “The law aims to regulate the establishment and management of places of worship transparently, to promote freedom of religious practice and equality among citizens. The exploitation of places of worship for political or non-religious purposes is prohibited.” Article 16 stipulates the following: The activities prohibited in places of worship are as follows:
■ Insulting or advocating the denigration of the teachings of any religion, sect, or other belief.
■ Interfering in the internal or external political affairs of the state, its system of government, or disrupting public order.
■ Inciting sectarian, racial, religious, or ethnic strife, or promoting extremism or violence.
■ Performing any religious rites, rituals, or ceremonies outside places of worship in a manner that disrupts traffic, security, or public order is prohibited without prior authorization from the relevant department within the ministry.
■ Organizing events without prior authorization from the relevant department within the ministry is prohibited.
■ Performing any rituals or ceremonies that may cause harm to oneself or others, or threaten the health, safety, or security of any person, worshipper, or employee of the place of worship, is prohibited.
■ Communication with diplomatic, security, or official institutions of any country is prohibited.
■ Interfering in the internal or external policies of other countries or using places of worship as platforms for such interference is prohibited.
■ Recruiting or appointing employees, whether on a permanent or temporary basis, is prohibited without obtaining a permit from the relevant unit within the ministry. The executive regulations of this law shall be issued by a decision of the Council of Ministers, based on a proposal from the relevant minister, within six months from the date of publication of this law in the official gazette. Existing legislation shall remain in force to the extent that it does not conflict with the provisions of this law until the issuance of the executive regulations.

Those responsible for places of worship at the time this decreelaw enters into force must rectify their legal status within six months from the effective date of the executive regulations. The relevant ministry shall close and liquidate the assets of places of worship that violate the provisions of the preceding paragraph and return the funds to their owners unless this is not possible. Alternatively, the ministry may manage these assets or assign their management to an entity it designates.