Court hears challenge to religion article

JAKARTA: The Constitutional Court began hearing on Friday a petition challenging the constitutionality of an article of the Child Protection Law that bans adults from teaching or promoting their religion to children of different faiths.

The request was filed by former priest Ruyandi Hutasoit, who leads the Christian-based Prosperous Peace Party (PDS).

His lawyers said that Article 86 of the law, which carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment for offenders, should be declared unconstitutional and struck down.

Ruyandi, they said, had brought the challenge in his capacity as "someone who provides religious education, disseminates religious teachings and holds public services in accordance with the precepts of his religion to both Christian and non-Christian children".

He usually engaged in these activities in public areas, such as churches, schools and other places that were voluntarily attended by people of different religions.

The case has been adjourned to allow the petitioner to amend his pleadings. --JP