(VOVworld) – The Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee on Wednesday in Hanoi hosted a meeting to collect opinions on the draft Law on Religion and Belief.

(Photo: VOV News Center)

At the meeting, religious representatives and experts said the draft law has met the requirements after several periods of adjustments to reflect public feedback. Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Secretary General of Vietnam's Buddhist Sangha, said the bill demonstrates the protection of everybody’s right to freedom of religion or belief and ensure that religious organizations can freely practice their religion or belief. Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien said:  “The words “propose” or “ask for permission” have been replaced by the word “inform” of religious activities under the religious charter and law. The draft law also stipulates that religions are a legal entity, which is entitled to participate in areas such as publishing, education, healthcare, social protection, and charity.”

Participants proposed supplementing the Party and State viewpoints on religious policies. They said religious work should strengthen the national great unity, uphold the country’s strength, and support national industrialization, modernization, and defense.