WASHINGTON - International Religious Freedom Report, released by the United States, said that the (Turkish) constitution assures freedom of religion and the government generally respects religious rights in Turkey. However, the government imposes some restrictions on Muslim and other religious groups and on (Muslim) religious expression in government offices and state-run institutions, including universities.
The report`s chapter on Turkey stated that although Turkey recorded some progress as regards religious freedoms, some Protestant Christian groups, Jehovah`s Witnesses, and Baha`is continued to face restrictions, including detentions for unauthorized meetings.
It said that Turkish authorities maintained their ban on wearing religious dresses in government offices, including universities, schools and workplaces. ``The generally tolerant relationship among religions in (Turkish) society contributed to religious freedom in general,`` the report said.
``In June 2003, Parliament approved an amendment to the Act on Construction, replacing the word `mosques` with `houses of worship,` which in theory removes a legal obstacle to the establishment of non-Muslim religious facilities,`` the report said.
(EÖ-ULG) 16.09.2004