Legal framework on freedom of religion and actual application
In its Preamble, the Constitution of Barbados states that it is a sovereign nation that recognises the supremacy of God, the dignity of the human person, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Article 11 protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of every person, without distinction of race, origin, political opinion, colour, creed, or sex, including freedom of conscience, expression, assembly, and association.
Article 14 (3c) recognises the right of conscientious objection to military service.
Article 19 (1) guarantees freedom of conscience, which includes freedom of thought and religion, the freedom to change religion or belief, and the freedom to manifest and propagate them through worship, teaching, practice, and observance, either alone or with others, in public or in private.
Article 19 (2) grants every religious community the right to establish and maintain, at their own expense, their own places of education. Under Article 19 (3), the right to offer religious instruction is guaranteed, irrespective of whether the providing institution receives government subsidies.
Article 19 (4) stipulates that students cannot be required to receive religious instruction or take part in any religious ceremony or observance without their express consent or that of a guardian if they are minors. According to Article 19 (5), no one can be required to take an oath against their beliefs in a manner that contravenes their religion or beliefs.
The Education Act (Chap 41) regulates the education system of Barbados. The law stipulates that school-age children can be absent from class for various reasons, including religious observance (Article 42, 1, d). However, parents must apply for an exemption from various authorities, depending on the reason for the exemption (Article 42, 3, b).
Public schools cannot require students to take religious courses, or participate in religious events or celebrations if their parents object (Article 54).
In 2019, the Parliament of Barbados passed the Sacramental Cannabis Act, 2019, which grants Rastafarians the right to use cannabis for sacramental purposes in places of worship as well as in public.
In 2021 the Constitution was amended, making Barbados a republic, which did not affect the right to religious freedom.
Incidents and developments
Fr Neil Sebastian Scantlebury was appointed bishop of Bridgetown in June 2021, becoming the first native-born Catholic bishop of Barbados in more than 400 years of Catholic presence in the country. Prime Minister Mottley congratulated him and highlighted the Church’s important role in the community.
In November 2021, during the process of transition from monarchy to a republic, a non-binding “Charter” was adopted recognising the “Creator” but not the “supremacy of God”. Opposition leader Rev Joseph Atherley spoke out against excluding the name of God.
In March 2022, at the launch of a book highlighting the prophetic roots of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Minister Kirk Humphrey thanked the various religious groups for their work during the pandemic and the latest hurricane.
In May 2022, a man attacked worshippers at Sion Hill New Testament Church of God, demanding they not use the name of Jesus. Pastor Gregney Holder and his wife were wounded during the incident, which sparked fears among religious believers of possible threats to the free practice of their faith.
Prospects for religious freedom
There were no incidents of intolerance or discrimination during the period under review. The authorities expressed appreciation for the contributions that religious groups have made to the development of the country. The outlook for religious freedom remains positive.
Barbados