Prime Minister La’auli Schmidt seeks guidance from National Council of Churches regarding the exclusion of faiths not founded on Christian beliefs.
TLDR
Samoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has proposed a ban on non-Christian religions. He announced this position regarding “pagan beliefs” on Christmas Eve. The Prime Minister cited the risk of religious extremism and recent violence in Australia and New Zealand as justification for the potential ban. This proposal follows the 2017 constitutional amendment that declared Samoa a “Christian nation.” Legal experts question the constitutionality of such a ban. Article 11 of the Samoan Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The Prime Minister has asked the National Council of Churches to advise the government on the matter. Opposition groups and human rights advocates argue this violates international covenants and domestic law. No legislation has been finalized. The situation creates a direct conflict between the nation’s identity as a Christian state and individual civil liberties.
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