The decree stipulates the formation of a committee comprising representatives from several ministries, along with three experienced citizens, to establish regulations, determine the locations of places of worship and charitable organizations, and issue the necessary licenses.
The decree also mandates each place of worship to have a legal representative who must pledge to use any entrusted funds solely for the licensed purposes, refrain from conducting any activities other than those for which the place is licensed, and submit an annual budget within three months of the end of the fiscal year. The decree prohibits any activities that involve insulting religions or sects, engaging in political interference, interfering in the affairs of other countries, inciting sectarian or racial tensions, promoting extremism or violence, or conducting rituals that threaten security or public order.
A permit must be obtained before collecting donations, and no event may be organized without prior approval. Charitable organizations and places of worship are prohibited from communicating with diplomatic, security, or official institutions of other countries, or from hosting individuals from outside Kuwait without obtaining prior approval. The use of the premises of a place of worship or charitable organization for activities other than those for which it was licensed is prohibited, as is using the premises as accommodation for individuals. The legal representative is also prohibited from transferring the license to another party without the ministry’s approval.
Government inspectors are granted judicial authority, including the right to inspect facilities, review records, and document violations. All licensed places of worship and charitable organizations must comply with these regulations within six months. The law imposes strict penalties, and the legal representative of the organization bears personal and joint responsibility for the implementation of any judgments issued against the organization. What prompted me to raise this concern is my fear of the dangerous situation in some countries resulting from the alarming increase in the number of places of worship and the diverse affiliations of those overseeing them.
These institutions have become sources of social division as well as sources of power for those who manage them. It was not surprising that the number of members affiliated with these institutions, representing various sects and religions, exceeded one hundred. The activities of some places of worship have disrupted people’s daily life due to the significant increase in religious occasions that have become official holidays, as well as the frequent closure of roads and the organization of processions throughout much of the year.
Had the governments of these countries taken timely action, the situation may not have reached its current state of disorder. I reiterate my previous call for regulating the activities of all parties, limiting the presence of extremists in both private and official media outlets, and adopting a zero-tolerance approach toward anyone who attacks the beliefs of others.
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