Legal framework on freedom of religion and actual application
The Preamble to the Bahamian Constitution highlights respect for Christian values and the rule of law, and also upholds the supremacy of God and enshrines the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual.
Article 15 of the Constitution stipulates that every individual has a right to the protection of their fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of conscience, expression, assembly, and association, always subject to the respect of the rights and freedoms of others and the public interest, without distinction of race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, creed, or sex.
Article 18 upholds the right of conscientious objection to military service.
Under Article 22 (1), no one can be hindered in exercising their freedom of conscience, including freedom of thought and religion, or in exercising their freedom to change religion or belief or to manifest and propagate them through worship, teaching, practice and observance, either individually or collectively, in public or in private.
Article 22 (2) states that no one attending an educational establishment can be compelled to receive religious instruction or take part in a religious ceremony or observance that is not of the religion they profess without their consent (or that of their guardian in the case of minors under the age of 18).
Article 22 (3) requires that no religious body or denomination can be prevented or hindered from providing religious education to its members, notwithstanding any government subsidies they might receive.
Article 22 (4) affirms that no one can be forced to take an oath against their beliefs or in a manner that contravenes their religion or beliefs.
Incidents and developments
In August 2021, the Archbishop of Nassau issued a statement on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and promoted voluntary vaccination.
In September 2021, the President of the Bahamas Christian Council (BCC), Bishop Delton Fernander, noted that his Church was willing to provide help and supplies for hundreds of Haitian irregular migrants in the southern Bahamas.
In March 2022, the Ministry of Health relaxed measures against the coronavirus, allowing Churches to fill at 75 percent capacity. Bishop Fernander expressed his satisfaction with the measure, following talks with the authorities to organise a transition from the 50 percent previously allowed. The prelate expressed concern, however, about the rising crime rate in the country. He noted that a symposium on crime was in the works in order to understand how gangs operate and how to work with young people in cooperation with the authorities.
Prospects for religious freedom
In the period under review, no incidents of intolerance or discrimination on religious grounds were reported. Churches are perceived to be attentive to the needs of the community. The situation remains unchanged and the prospects for religious freedom in the coming period remain positive.