Court hears challenge to religion article

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