Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a new concept of state religious policy, according to the Gazeta.uz portal. The policy was introduced in response to recent attempts to impose religious-based rules that challenge gender equality, scientific progress and national interests.
Although Uzbekistan declared itself a secular state in 1992, the document notes that some citizens have advocated for religious-based restrictions, including:
Refusing to fulfill civic duties. Rejecting public ethics, national values and universal principles. Limiting access to healthcare, scientific advancements, cultural achievements and essential goods and services.Additionally, some individuals have questioned gender equality and certain civil servants have failed...