Representatives from religious communities shared their opinions and feedback on the draft Law on Belief and Religion during a seminar in Ho Chi Minh City on February 6.

Representatives from the Muslim community acknowledged that the bill has provisions that reflect respect for human rights and the right to religious freedom.

Vice General Secretary and Chief of the Office II of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Central Committee, Most Venerable Thich Thien Tong suggested banning superstitious practices and adding additional rights of religious followers and dignitaries into the Charter of each religion and the law.

Buddhist Nguyen Phuong Hien spoke of the need to establish a special mechanism for healthcare charity activities by religious organisations.

Several opinions called for the issuance of special regulations on the settlement of asset disputes by religious establishments.

Bui Thanh Ha, permanent Vice Chairman of the Government’s Committee for Religious Affairs, said the law should ensure the right to religious freedom and respect long-standing traditions of each religion.

Vietnam currently ranks third globally in terms of ethnic diversity and religion, he added.

He pledged to carefully consider all the received recommendations in the final modifications to the law.-VNA