Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania

Ország
Lithuania

Article 26. Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion shall not be restricted. Everyone shall have the right to freely choose any religion or belief and, either alone or with others, in private or in public, to profess his religion, to perform religious ceremonies, as well as to practise and teach his belief. No one may compel another person or be compelled to choose or profess any religion or belief. The freedom to profess and spread religion or belief may not be limited otherwise than by law and only when this is necessary to guarantee the security of society, public order, the health or morals of people, or other basic rights or freedoms of the person. Parents and guardians shall, without restrictions, take care of the religious and moral education of their children and wards according to their own convictions. Article 27 Convictions, practised religion, or belief may not serve as a justification for a crime or failure to observe laws. Article 43. The State shall recognise the churches and religious organisations that are traditional in Lithuania; other churches and religious organisations shall be recognised provided that they have support in society, and their teaching and practices are not in conflict with the law and public morals. Churches and religious organisations recognised by the State shall have the rights of a legal person. Churches and religious organisations shall be free to proclaim their teaching, perform their ceremonies, and have houses of prayer, charity establishments, and schools for the training of priests. Churches and religious organisations shall conduct their affairs freely according to their canons and statutes. The status of churches and other religious organisations in the State shall be established by agreement or by law. The teaching proclaimed by churches and religious organisations, other religious activities, and houses of prayer may not be used for purposes that are in conflict with the Constitution and laws. There shall be no state religion in Lithuania.