Romanian President Nicușor Dan has signed into law a bill establishing the National Day of Religious Freedom and of the Contribution of Religious Communities to Romanian Society, to be celebrated annually on May 16 starting next year.
According to the new legislation, May 16 will be marked by “cultural-religious and educational events dedicated to religious freedom, relations between the state and religious denominations, partnerships between the state and religious groups, and the contribution of faith communities to the wellbeing of Romanian society.”
Central and local authorities can partner with religious denominations, associations, and other non-governmental organizations and foundations to organise these events.
The bill was passed by Parliament last month. May 16 was chosen because on this day in 2000, all officially recognized religious denominations in Romania signed a joint declaration at Snagov supporting Romania’s accession to the EU and NATO.
Religious Freedom as a Fundamental Right
“Religious freedom is a right without which we cannot imagine any democratic society. Holding a particular belief or belonging to a religious community are key aspects of exercising this fundamental right,” the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs said on June 6.
“At the same time, celebrating religious freedom is not just a solemn moment for faith communities, but for every person who values the reaffirmation of universal democratic principles.”
Romania’s faith communities proposed the law initiative during their meeting on April 10, 2024, with representatives of the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs and other state institutions.
Photo: Basilica.ro Files / Mircea Florescu
