New amendment prohibits praying in private assemblies

The First Amendment to the Protection of Religious Unity Act, ratified by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Sunday, has prohibited praying in assemblies not recognized by the State.

The amendment will come into force after three months from ratification. The law already requires an official authorization from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for Sheikhs to pronounce religious verdicts or give religious addresses on public platforms.

The amendment follows recent efforts by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to stop private sermon and Friday prayer gatherings in Dharumavantha Mosque in Male’. However, the Ministry’s warnings have not kept a group from preaching in the mosque.

Referring to the new amendment, police media official said today that breaking the law would compel the police to take the appropriate action. He said that in this case, police will follow instructions from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

The law also prohibits the construction of religious prayer houses other than Islamic mosques, and bans the selling, buying, handling and advertising of objects with insignia of religions other than Islam. Promotion of religions other than Islam is also prohibited by law.