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The Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, has confirmed that the proposed policy on religion is about regulating the conduct of imams and pastors, and not to place a ban on their activities.
The Minister made this confirmation during an interview on Truth Media while addressing growing concerns from the public on the proposed religion bill.
She stated that Sierra Leone is known as a country with religious tolerance, which she described as a milestone for the country.
Madam Karminty added that recent social media statements from religious leaders are worrisome and will not be tolerated by the government.
She further stated that the proposed policy will regulate the opening of religious centres (mosques and churches) across the country. She said religious leaders must have approval from other religious bodies before the ministry will grant them access to operate, which is subject to closure if the rules are not adhered to.
The news of regulating religious leaders in Sierra Leone was met with mixed reactions when it was broke out. Some called it timely based on previous some strong statements from certain religious leaders in the past few years. Others, however, see the regulation as part of government’s interference in religious matters.
