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AfghanistanFreedom of AssociationThe first assertion of freedom of association is mentioned in the Afghanistan constitution of 2004 under Chapter II article 35. However, the Taliban has restricted freedom of association and assembly and does not respect the constitution https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/415610_AFGHANISTAN-2022-HUMAN-RIGHTS-REPORT.pdfhttps://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/66413/136339/F1123586512/AFG66413%20EN.pdf
AlbaniaFreedom of AssociationFirst assertion of the freedom of association in Albania is mentioned in the Albanian constitution of 1998. The right comes in Chapter III, Article 46 political rights and freedoms (Constitution of the Republic of Albania and The European commission for Democracy through law Venice commission) https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Albania_2012 https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2016)064-e
AlgeriaFreedom of AssociationAlgeria has had 4 constitutions. 1963, 1976, 1989 and 1996. First assertion of freedom of association in the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria is first mentioned in the Article 43 of the 1976 constitution that was ratified on November 19th. The current Algerian constitution of 1989, reinstated in 1996, revised in 2016 mentions the freedom of association in Title II, Chapter 1, article 54 https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Algeria_2016
AndorraFreedom of AssociationThe first mention of freedom of association in Constitution of the Principality of Andorra of 1993 is mentioned in Chapter III, Article 17 https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Andorra_1993#s101
AngolaFreedom of AssociationThe first assertion of the freedom of association in Angola is vaguely mentioned in the 1992 Angolan constitution on part II, article 32. The new 2010 constitution of Angola that was ratified January 21, mentions freedom of association in Chapter II, section I, article 48 https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/Angola%20Constitution.pdf https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Angola_2010
Antigua and BarbudaFreedom of AssociationThe first assertion of freedom of association is mentioned on the Antigua and Barbuda constitution order 1981 ratified October 31st Chapter II, article 13(1) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1981/1106/pdfs/uksi_19811106_en.pdf
ArgentinaFreedom of AssociationThe first assertion of the freedom of association of Argentina is first mentioned in the Constitution of the Argentine Nation of 1853 that was ratified May 25th in Part I, Chapter 1, article 14. That has not changed in the 1994 constitution http://www.biblioteca.jus.gov.ar/Argentina-Constitution.pdf https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Argentina_1994
ArmeniaFreedom of AssociationFirst assertion of freedom of association is mentioned in the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia 1995 that was ratified July 5th with amendment through 2015 Chapter 2 article 45 https://www.rightofassembly.info/assets/downloads/1995_Constitution_of_Armenia_(as_amended).
AustraliaFreedom of AssociationThe first known assertion of the right to association in Australia is mentioned in the ICCPR article 22. Australia Ratified this treaty in 1980. In the Australian constitution there is no free-standing right to association https://www.alrc.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ip46_ch_4._freedom_of_association.pdf https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/rights-and-freedoms/freedom-association
AustriaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
AzerbaijanFreedom of AssociationThe first assertion of freedom of association in the 1995 constitution of the Azerbaijan Republic is mentioned under Chapter III Article 58 section I through IV https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/Azerbaijan%20Constitution.pdf
BahrainFreedom of AssociationThe first assertion of freedom of association in the 1973 Constitution of the State of Bahrain that was ratified May 26th is mentioned under chapter III, article 27 https://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ba01000_.html
BangladeshFreedom of AssociationThe first assertion of the Freedom of Association in Bangladesh is mentioned in the 1972 constitution of the People's republic of Bangladesh that was ratified on November 4th https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/3ae6b5684.pdf
BarbadosFreedom of AssociationThe first assertion of Freedom of association in Barbados is first mentioned in the 1966 Constitution of Barbados that was ratified on November 22. The Constitution of Barbados has been amended at least 19 times https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text/191401
BelarusFreedom of AssociationThe first assertion of Freedom of association in the Republic of Belarus is mentioned in the Belarus constitution of 1994, ratified March 15 on section II, article 36. The constitution was amended through a referendum November 26th, 1996, article 36 remains the same.

https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/Belarus%20Constitution.pdf

https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL(2003)065-e
BelgiumFreedom of AssociationBelgium has one of the oldest constitutions in the world. The first assertion of freedom of association is mentioned in the Constitution of Belgium of 1831 that was ratified February 7th.Freedom of association is mentioned under title II, article 20. In the latest amendment it is mentioned under article 27.

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Belgium_1831

https://www.dekamer.be/kvvcr/pdf_sections/publications/constitution/GrondwetUK.pdf
BelizeFreedom of AssociationFirst assertion of freedom of association in Belize is mentioned in the Belize Constitution of 1982 under Part II, Article 13(I). https://www.oas.org/dil/Constitution_of_Belize.pdf
BeninFreedom of AssociationThe first assertion of Freedom of Association in the Republic of Benin is mentioned in the Constitution of Benin that was adopted at the referendum on December 2nd, 1990 under Title II, article 25 https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/Benin%20Constitution%20-%20English%20Summary.pdf
BhutanFreedom of AssociationFirst assertion of Freedom of association in The Kingdom of Bhutan is mentioned in the Constitution of Bhutan of 2008, enacted July 18th under Article 7(12) https://www.nationalcouncil.bt/assets/uploads/docs/acts/2017/Constitution_of_Bhutan_2008.pdf
BoliviaFreedom of AssociationFirst assertion of Freedom of association of Bolivia is mentioned in the Constitution of 2009 of the Plurinational State of Bolivia under Chapter III, Section I, Article 21 (4) https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bolivia_2009
Bosnia and HerzegovinaFreedom of AssociationFirst assertion of Freedom of association in Bosnia and Herzegovina is first mentioned in the Constitution of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina of 1995 under Chapter II, Article 2, Section 3(i) https://advokat-prnjavorac.com/legislation/constitution_fbih.pdf
BotswanaFreedom of AssociationChapter 2 of Botswana’s Constitution ( 1966) guarantees “freedom of conscience, of expression and of assembly and association.”
BrazilFreedom of AssociationBrazil’s constitution ( 1988) has exceptionally detailed freedom of association provisions. Title II-I-5 states that:

- there is total freedom of association for lawful purposes, but any paramilitary association is prohibited;

- creation of associations and, as set forth in law, of cooperatives, requires no authorization, prohibiting state interference in their operations;

- associations may be compulsorily dissolved or their activities suspended only by a judicial decision, which in the former case must be a final and unappealable decision;

- no one can be compelled to join an association or to remain in one;

- when expressly authorized, associations have standing to represent their members judicially and extrajudicially
BruneiFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
BulgariaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
Burkina FasoFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
BurundiFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
CambodiaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
CameroonFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
CanadaFreedom of AssociationChapter 345 Section 5 of Saskatchewan’s Bill of Rights ( 1947) states that “every person and every class of persons shall enjoy the right to peaceable assembly with others and to form with others associations of any character under the law.” Part 1 of the Canadian Bill of Rights ( 1960) lists “freedom of assembly and association” as a guaranteed right. This was an ordinary act of parliament, and it has been replaced by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, an amendment to the Canadian Constitution.
Cape VerdeFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
Central African RepublicFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
ChadFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
ChileFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
ChinaFreedom of AssociationChapter 2-4 of the Provisional Constitution of the Republic of China (1912) stated that “citizens shall have the freedom of speech, of composition, of publication, of assembly and of association.” https://archive.org/details/jstor-2212590/page/n1/mode/2up Under the current government of China, Article 35 of the 2018 Constitution of the People’s Republic of China states: “Citizens of the People’s Republic of China shall enjoy freedom of speech, the press, assembly, association, procession and demonstration.” http://www.npc.gov.cn/englishnpc/constitution2019/201911/1f65146fb6104dd3a2793875d19b5b29.shtml
ColombiaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
ComorosFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
Costa RicaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
CroatiaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
CubaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
CyprusFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
Czech RepublicFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
Democratic Republic of the CongoFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
DenmarkFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
DjiboutiFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
DominicaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
Dominican RepublicFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
East TimorFreedom of AssociationThe first assertion of association in East Timor comes in their Constitution, ratified on May 20, 2002. The right comes in Part II, Title II, Section 42 (“Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste”, 2002). 2002. Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. May 20. http://timor-leste.gov.tl/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Constitution_RDTL_ENG.pdf.
EcuadorFreedom of AssociationThe first assertion of association in Ecuador comes in the Constitution of 1869, ratified on

August 11. The right comes in Title XI, Article 109 (“Constitución de 1869”, 1869). The current Constitution, ratified in 2008, asserts the right in Article 66 (“Ecuador 2008 (rev. 2021) Constitution”, 2021). 1869. “Constitución de 1869.” ConstitutionNet. August 11.

2021. “Ecuador 2008 (Rev. 2021) Constitution.” 2021. ConstitutionNet. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Ecuador_2021?lang=en.
EgyptFreedom of AssociationThe first known assertion of the right to association in Egypt was in the Royal Decree No. 42 of 1923, which established a Constitutional system of government in monarchical Egypt. The right is established in Part II, Article 21 (“Royal Decree No. 42 of 1923”, 1923). 1923. Royal Decree No. 42 of 1923. https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/1923_-_egyptian_constitution_english_1.pdf.
El SalvadorFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
Equatorial GuineaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
EritreaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
EstoniaFreedom of AssociationSection II-18 of Estonia’s first constitution ( 1920) states that “The forming of associations and unions is free in Esthonia."
EswatiniFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
EthiopiaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
Federated States of MicronesiaFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association is protected in the Federated States of Micronesia’s Constitution of 1978. Article IV Section 1 states that: “No law may deny or impair freedom of expression, peaceable assembly, association, or petition” (constituteproject.org). “Micronesia (Federated States of) 1978 (Rev. 1990) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Micronesia_1990.
FijiFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
FinlandFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
FranceFreedom of AssociationTitle I of the French Constitution of 1791 guarantees the right of peaceful assembly.

“Liberty to citizens to assemble peaceably and without arms in accordance with police regulations.”

Though the French Constitution of 1791 protected the right to assemble, French revolutionaries considered explicitly excluding free association (Boyd 257). The French enacted a law protecting free association in 1901, and enshrined it in their constitution in 1971 (Boyd 2008, 237).

References:

Boyd, Richard. “THE MADISONIAN PARADOX OF FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION.” Social philosophy & policy 25, no. 2 (2008): 235–262.
GabonFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
GeorgiaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
GermanyFreedom of AssociationThe Weimar Constitution ( 1919) established freedom of association.

Article 123: “All Germans have the right to assembly peacefully and unarmed without giving notice and without special permission.”

Article 124: “All Germans have the right to form associations and societies for purposes not contrary to the criminal law.”
GhanaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
GreeceFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
GrenadaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
GuatemalaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
GuineaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
Guinea-BissauFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
GuyanaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
HaitiFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
HondurasFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
HungaryFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
IcelandFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
IndiaFreedom of AssociationThe following is from Gandhi’s “Liberty of the Press” from 12 January 1922:

“Freedom of association is truly respected when assemblies of people can discuss even revolutionary projects, the State relying upon the force of public opinion and the civil police, not the savage military at its disposal, to crush any actual outbreak of revolution that is designed to confound public opinion and the State representing it…. The fight for swaraj means a fight for this threefold freedom before all else."

Part III Article 19 of the Indian Constitution (1950) grants citizens the right to “form associations or unions” (Dalton).
IndonesiaFreedom of Association{{{contents}}}
IranFreedom of AssociationUnder Article 26 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1979), “The formation of parties, societies, political or professional associations, as well as religious societies, whether Islamic or pertaining to one of the recognized religious minorities, is permitted provided they do not violate the principles of independence, freedom, national unity, the criteria of Islam, or the basis of the Islamic Republic. No one may be prevented from participating in the aforementioned groups, or be compelled to participate in them” (constituteproject.org). “Iran (Islamic Republic of) 1979 (Rev. 1989) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989.
IraqFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association is protected in two different sections of the Iraqi Constitution of 2005. Article 22 Section 3 states that: “The State shall guarantee the right to form and join unions and professional associations, and this shall be regulated by law” while Article 39 Section 1 states that: “The freedom to form and join associations and political parties shall be guaranteed, and this shall be regulated by law” (constituteproject.org). “Iraq 2005 Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iraq_2005.
IsraelFreedom of AssociationWhile freedom of association is not explicitly outlined in the Israeli Constitution, the addendum Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty of 1992 outlines the fundamental freedoms of life, dignity, and protection afforded to all people (Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty, 1992). "[Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty]," [Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty] (1992): 150-150
ItalyFreedom of AssociationPart 1 Title 1 Article 18 of the Italian Constitution ( 1947) states that:

- “Citizens have the right to form associations freely and without authorization for those ends that are not forbidden by criminal law.”

- “Secret associations and associations that, even indirectly, pursue political aims by means of organisations having a military character shall be forbidden.”
Ivory CoastFreedom of AssociationThe 1960 Constitution of the First Republic of the Côte D’Ivoire openly states its adherence to “the principles of Democracy and of the Rights of Man, as they have been identified by the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen of 1789…” (World Constitutions Illustrated). But, it makes no explicit reference to the right of free association until the 2016 Constitution of the Third Republic— Article 20 states that “Freedoms of association, assembly and peaceful demonstration are guaranteed by law” (constituteproject.org).

“Côte d’Ivoire 2016 Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cote_DIvoire_2016.

"Title I: Of the State and of Sovereignty," Constitution of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire 3 November 1960 (1960): 3-4
JamaicaFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association has been a protected right since the ratification of the first Constitution of 1962. Chapter III Article 13b states that “Whereas every person in Jamaica is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, has the right, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest, to each and all of the following, namely: … freedom of conscience, of expression and of peaceful assembly and association…” (World Constitutions Illustrated). "Chapter III: Fundamental Rights and Freedoms," Constitution of Jamaica : 812-824
JapanFreedom of AssociationChapter III Article 21 of the Japanese Constitution ( 1947) : “Freedom of assembly and association as well as speech, press and all other forms of expression are guaranteed.” Additionally, though finding direct texts has proven difficult, there have been political movements for greater political expression since the pre-war era. The freedom and popular rights movement existed throughout the second half of the 19th century, and its members advocated for increased freedom of assembly beginning no later than 1886 (Tierney 2013, 21).
JordanFreedom of AssociationPart I Article 18 of the Jordanian Constitution provides the first mention of freedom of association in Jordan: “18. All Transjordanians shall have the right to assemble together and to form associations within the provisions of the law” (World Constitutions Illustrated). "Part I: Rights of the People," Constitution of Transjordan : 980-981
KazakhstanFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association is protected in several places in the 1993 Constitution of Kazakhstan, but most directly in Chapter 4 Article 16 which states that “Citizens of the Republic shall have the right to form public associations on the basis of free expression of will and community of interests for the implementation of their rights and freedoms” (World Constitutions Illustrated). "The Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan," International Legal Perspectives 5, no. 1 (1993): 109-132
KenyaFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association is protected in Kenya’s first Constitution, which was ratified in 1963. Chapter II Article 14b states that “Whereas every person in Kenya is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, the right, whatever his race, tribe, place of origin or residence or other local connexion, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest, to each and all of the following, namely: …freedom of conscience, of expression and of assembly and association…” (World Constitutions Illustrated). "Chapter II: Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual," Constitution of Kenya (1963): 264-282
Kingdom of the NetherlandsFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association is protected under Article 8: “The right of association shall be recognized. This right may be restricted by Act of Parliament in the interest of public order” (constituteproject.org). “Netherlands 1814 (Rev. 2008) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Netherlands_2008.
KiribatiFreedom of AssociationKiribati conditionally protects freedom of association under Chapter II Section 13.1-2 in their 1979 Constitution: “1. Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of assembly and association… 2. Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision—(a) in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; (b) for the purpose of protecting the rights or freedoms of other persons; or (c) that imposes restrictions upon public employees…” (constituteproject.org). “Kiribati 1979 (Rev. 2013) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013.
KuwaitFreedom of Association- The first Constitution of Kuwait was ratified in 1962 and reinstated in 1992. Freedom of association is protected in Part III Article 43 which provides that “The liberty of forming societies and unions on a national basis and by peaceful means is guaranteed in conformity with the conditions and the stipulations specified by Law; and no person shall be constrained to join any society or union” (constituteproject.org). “Kuwait 1962 (Reinst. 1992) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kuwait_1992.
KyrgyzstanFreedom of Association- Freedom of association is protected in Chapter II Article 35 of the Kyrgyzstani Constitution: “Everyone shall have the right of freedom of association” (constituteproject.org). “Kyrgyzstan 2010 (Rev. 2016) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kyrgyz_Republic_2016.
LaosFreedom of Association- The first Constitution of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic protects freedom of association in the preamble which states that “Laos recognizes these as fundamental rights of Laotians: individual freedom, freedom of conscience, freedom of property, freedom to speak, write and publish, freedom to teach, freedom of assembly and association, freedom of profession, equality before the law, security of livelihood” (World Constitutions Illustrated). “Constitution of Laos 11th May, 1947.” World Constitutions Illustrated, n.d. https://heinonline-org.uc.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/bfsprs0149&id=1&collection=cow&index=#.
LatviaFreedom of AssociationLegal protection of freedom of association was not added to the Latvian Constitution until 1998, 78 years after its original ratification (constituteproject.org). In this version, Article 102 states that “Everyone has the right to join associations, political parties and other public organisations” (constituteproject.org). “Latvia 1922 (Reinst. 1991, Rev. 2016) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Latvia_2016.
LebanonFreedom of Association- Freedom of association is protected under Chapter 1 Article 13 of the 1926 Lebanese Constitution which states: “The freedom of opinion, expression through speech and writing, the freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly, and the freedom of association, are all guaranteed within the scope of the law” (constituteproject.org). “Lebanon 1926 (Rev. 2004) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Lebanon_2004.
LesothoFreedom of Association- The first Constitution of Lesotho, ratified in 1966, conditionally protects freedom of association in Chapter II Article 15.1-2c: “(1) Every person shall be entitled to, and (except with his own assembly and consent) shall not be hindered in his enjoyment of freedom of association that is to say, freedom to assemble and associate with other persons and in particular to form or belong to trade unions and other associations for the protection of his interests. (2) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision— (a) in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or (b) for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of other persons; or (c) for the purpose of imposing restrictions upon public officers” (World Constitutions Illustrated). This Constitution was suspended in 1970, but it is today protected under Article 13 of the 1993 constitution (constituteproject.org).

“Lesotho - Africa.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/countries/Africa/Lesotho.

“Lesotho Independence Order, 1966.” HeinOnline World Constitutions Illustrated. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://heinonline-org.uc.idm.oclc.org/HOL/COWShow?collection=cow&cow_id=234.
LiberiaFreedom of AssociationThe first mention of freedom of association (through association) in Liberia is in the Constitution of 1825 which was written by the American Colonization Society. Article I states that “ALL persons born within the limits of the territory held by the American Colonization Society, in Liberia, in Africa, or removing there to reside, shall be free, and entitled to all such rights and privileges, as are enjoyed by the citizens of the United States” while Article VI further establishes that “The common law, as in force and modified in the United States, and applicable to the situation of the people, shall be in force in the Settlement” (World Constitutions Illustrated). "Constitution for the Government of the African Colony at Liberia," Constitution for the Government of the African Colony at Liberia; Plan for the Civil Government of Liberia; Digest of the Laws now in force in the Colony of Liberia, August 19th, 1824 (1825): 5-6
LibyaFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association is protected under Article 26 of the 1951 Libyan Constitution: “Freedom of peaceful association shall be guaranteed, and the exercise thereof shall be regulated by law. Secret societies and associations that aim to achieve political goals through organizations of a military character are prohibited” (World Constitutions Illustrated). "Constitution of the Kingdom of Libya of 1951," [Constitution of the Kingdom of Libya of 1951] (1951): 1-26
LiechtensteinFreedom of Association- The Constitution of 1848 of Liechtenstein guarantees freedom of association in Part III Section 51: “The Constitution guarantees the free right of association for peaceful discussions of state and community affairs, which everyone is free to attend” (World Constitutions Illustrated). "Part III: The People and Their Rights," Entwurf: Einer Verfassung fur das Furstenthum Liechtenstein vom 1. Oktober 1848 (1848): 6-8
LithuaniaFreedom of Association- Lithuania’s 1992 Constitution protects freedom of association under Chapter II Article 35 which states that: “Citizens shall be guaranteed the right to freely form societies, political parties and associations, provided that the aims and activities thereof are not contrary to the Constitution and laws. No one may be compelled to belong to any society, political party, or association” (constituteproject.org). “Lithuania 1992 (Rev. 2019) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Lithuania_2019.
LuxembourgFreedom of AssociationChapter I Article 26 of the 1868 Constitution of Luxembourg states that: “The Constitution guarantees the right of association, in compliance with the laws that govern the exercise of this right without having to be submitted to a prior authorization” (constituteproject.org). “Luxembourg 1868 (Rev. 2009) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Luxembourg_2009.
MadagascarFreedom of AssociationThe 1992 Constitution of Madagascar was a democratic document that gave citizens the right to freedom of association. Article 10 of the Constitution states that freedom of association, among other rights, is guaranteed to all and may only be limited in the circumstances outlined (“Madagascar: Constitution”).

“Madagascar: Constitution” 1992. Refworld

https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b5a98.html
MalawiFreedom of AssociationAdopted on May 16, 1994, the Constitution of Malawi asserts the right to freedom of association to all citizens in the country’s legal code. Article 32 states that “[e]very person shall have the right to freedom of association, which shall include the freedom to form associations” and “[n]o person maybe be compelled to belong to an association” (Malawi 1994, 16). Malawi. "Malawi's Constitution of 1994 with Amendments through 1999." Constitute Project. 1994. https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/mlw136089.pdf.
MalaysiaFreedom of AssociationThe 1957 Federal Constitution of Malaysia is the first piece of legal documentation that assured the right to freedom of association in Malaysia after it gained complete independence from British rule. Amended in 1963 to form the Constitution of Malaysia, the document declares that “all citizens have the right to form associations” in section C of article 10 concerning the right to freedom of speech, assembly, and association (Malaysia 1957). Malaysia. "Malaysia 1957 Constitution." Constitute. 1957. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Malaysia_2007.
MaldivesFreedom of AssociationThe first Constitution of the Maldives, created in 1932, protected several civil and political rights, including the freedom to join or form associations and societies in Article 17. The Constitution proved to be short lived, being quite unpopular, and was amended in 1934 and later completely replaced in 1942. The Maldives eventually transitioned from a monarchy to a republic, and the current constitution provides greater protection of the right (Nazeer 2022, 125). Nazeer, Ahmed. "The Maldives: From Dictatorship to Constitutional Democracy and the Quest for Consolidation ." University of Portsmouth, 2022.
MaliFreedom of AssociationMali:

Mali’s 1974 Constitution protects the right of its citizens to form unions and associations to protect their professional interests under Article 13 (“Journal Officiel De La République Du Mali” 1974, 2). The freedom to form all associations is found in Mali’s current 1992 constitution under Article 5 (Mali 1992).

“Journal Officiel De La République Du Mali” 1974. https://sgg-mali.ml/JO/1974/mali-jo-1974-440.pdf Mali 1992. “Mali 1992 Constitution” Constitute

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mali_1992
MaltaFreedom of AssociationAchieving its independence as the State of Malta in September of 1964, the country adopted a constitution that included a provision guaranteeing its citizens the right to freedom of association. Article 32 of Chapter IV of the 1964 constitution states that every person in Malta is entitled to the freedom of “peaceful assembly and association” (Mali 1964).

Mali. “Mali 1964 (rev. 2016) Constitution.” Constitute 1964

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Malta_2016
Marshall IslandsFreedom of AssociationWritten before they gained formal independence in 1986, the 1979 Constitution of the Marshall Islands ensures freedom of association to every person. The right to freedom of association is included in the Bill or Rights found under Section 1 of Article II of the Constitution (Marshall Islands 1979)

Marshall Islands. “Marshall Islands 1979 (rev. 1995) Constitution.” Constitute 1979

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Marshall_Islands_1995
MauritaniaFreedom of AssociationThe country’s 1964 Law of Associations acknowledges the existence of associations within Mauritania’s legal code, though it requires them to be registered and authorized by the government. It “gives the Ministry of Interior far-reaching powers to refuse such permission on vague grounds” (MENA Rights Groups 2021). Mauritania’s original constitution, adopted in 1961, affirmed the country’s commitment to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789) which discusses political associations, but does not explicitly state its commitment to the right (Mauritanie 1961).

Mauritanie. “Constitution du 20 mai 1961” Digithéque MJP 1961 https://mjp.univ-perp.fr/constit/mr1961.htm MENA Rights Groups. “Mauritania’s human rights record examined by UN Member States” MENA Rights

2021 https://menarights.org/en/articles/mauritanias-human-rights-record-examined-un-member-
MauritiusFreedom of AssociationThe Constitution of Mauritius, adopted in 1968 after the country’s independence, protects the right to association. This provision is found in section 3 “Fundamental rights and freedoms of an individual” under Chapter II of the Constitution. (Mauritius 1968)

Mauritius. “Mauritius 1968 (rev. 2016) Constitution” Constitute 1968

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mauritius_2016
MexicoFreedom of AssociationThe Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States, put in place after the end of the dictatorship of Antonio López de Santa Anna in 1857, greatly expanded human rights in the country. Though it does not explicitly mention association, it refers to related rights. Section 1, Article 9 states, “No one shall be deprived of the right peaceably to assemble or to come together for any lawful purpose; but only citizens shall be permitted to exercise this right for the purpose of taking part in the political affairs of the country” (“Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States of 1857.” 2023). “Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States of 1857.” 2023. Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States of 1857, World History Commons. Accessed July 14. https://worldhistorycommons.org/federal-constitution-united-mexican-states-1857.
MoldovaFreedom of AssociationAfter its independence from the Soviet Union, Moldova ratified its constitution in 1994 and protected the right to freedom of association. Article 41 of the constitution states that all citizens “shall be free to associate in parties and other socio-political organizations” and outlines the freedom’s restrictions. (Moldova 1994).

Moldova. “Moldova (Republic of) 1994 (rev. 2016)” Constitute 1994

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Moldova_2016
MonacoFreedom of AssociationMonaco’s constitution, first adopted in 1911 and then heavily revised in 1962, protects the right to freedom of association in the country. Article 30 states that freedom of association is guaranteed by law, though subject to regulation of law (Monaco 1911).

Monaco. “Constitution of the Principality of Monaco” Council of Europe 1911

https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2013)021-e
MongoliaFreedom of AssociationThe earliest assertion of the right to freedom of association in Mongolia’s legal system can be found in the 1940 Constitution of the Mongolian People’s Republic, when the country was a socialist state. Article 82 grants citizens the right to “unite in public organizations,” which includes trade unions, cooperative associations, youth organizations, sports and defense organizations, cultural, technical, and scientific societies (Anon 19948. 199). The modren Mongolian state also protects freedom of association in its 1992 Constitution in Article 10 (Mongolia 1992).

Anon. Far Eastern Section, “Constitution of the Mongol People's Republic”, 23 Wash. L. Rev. & St. B.J. 181 (1948). Mongolia. “Mongolia 1992 (rev. 2001)” Constitute 1992

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mongolia_2001
MontenegroFreedom of AssociationAfter Montenegro’s formal independence and separation from its union with Serbia in 2006, the country adopted a constitution the following year that included an article on freedom of association. The right is granted to all Montenegro citizens in Article 53 (Montenegro 2007). Montenegro’s earlier constitution, adopted after the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1992, includes a provision promoting freedom of association in Article 40 (“Constitution of the Republic of Montenegro” 1992)

“Constitution of the Republic of Montenegro” 1992 https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL(2005)096-e Montenegro. “Montenegro 2007” Constitute 2007

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Montenegro_2007
MoroccoFreedom of AssociationThe earliest assertion of the rights to freedom of association in Morocco is found in a 1958 decree, dhahir 1-58-376. The law gives citizens the right to form associations, with Article 5 setting “forth the procedure for declaring an association and maintaining its declared status” (Human Rights Watch 2009, 7).

Human Rights Watch. 2009 “Morocco: Freedom to Create Associations”

https://www.hrw.org/reports/morocco1009webwcover.pdf
MozambiqueFreedom of AssociationAfter its independence from Portugal in 1975, the People’s Republic of Mozambique established a socialist state with a constitution that protected freedom of association in its first constitution under Article 27 (Mozambique 1990. 9). In 1990 a new constitution was put into place that reformed the country into its present form, with Article 34 ensuring freedom of association to all (“Constitution of the People’s Republic of Mozambique” 17)

“The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Mozambique.” 2023. Mozambique History. https://mozambiquehistory.net/justice/constitution/19800000_english_constitution.pdf.

Mozambique “Constitution of Mozambique” 1990
MyanmarFreedom of AssociationMyanmar’s first constitution, created and adopted in 1947 after its independence, contains the earliest provision protecting the right to freedom of association in the country. Found in Section iii of Article 17, it allows citizens to form and join associations, as long as their goal is not to undermine the Constitution (“The Constitution of the Union of Burma” 1948, 3).

“The Constitution of the Union of Burma” 1948 Myanmar Law Library

http://www.myanmar-law-library.org/law-library/laws-and-regulations/constitutions/1947
NamibiaFreedom of AssociationAdopted in 1990, shortly before Namibia’s independence from South Africa, The Constitution of the Republic of Namibia contains the first assertion of the right to freedom of association in the country’s legal code. Provision e of Article 21 guarantees the right to join and form associations, including political parties and trade unions (Namibia 1990).

Namibia. 1990 “Namibia 1990 (rev. 2014)” Constitute

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Namibia_2014
NauruFreedom of AssociationNauru’s Constitution of 1968 explicitly mentions the right to freedom of association in its preamble, as well as in Section 1, 2, and 3 of Article 13. Written shortly after national independence, it is the earliest assertion of this right in the country (Nauru 1968)

Nauru. 1968 “Nauru’s Constitution of 1968” Constitute

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Nauru_1968.pdf?lang=en
NepalFreedom of AssociationThe Nepal Interim Government Act of 1951, put into effect after the Revolution of 1951, proclaims that all citizens have the right to form associations and unions. This is found under Section c of Article 17: Fundamental principles of law (Nepal 1951, 3)

Nepal. 1951 “The Interim Government of Nepal Act, 1951” Constitutionnet

https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/1951%20Constitution%20English.pdf
New ZealandFreedom of AssociationPart 2 Section 17 of the Bill of Rights Act ( 1990) states that, “Everyone has the right to freedom of association.”

Although New Zealand does not have a codified constitution, the first explicit mention of freedom of association in New Zealand law is the Bill of Rights Act of 1990, Article 17 of which states that “everyone has the right to freedom of association.” The country had earlier promised to uphold freedom of association by its 1978 ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protects this right in Article 22.

“International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.” Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, July 24, 2023, https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-covenant-civil-and-political-rights#:~:text=Article%2019,-1.&text=Everyone%20shall%20have%20the%20right,other%20media%20of%20his%20choice.

New Zealand Legislation. “New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.” Parliamentary Counsel Office, July 24, 2023, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1990/0109/latest/DLM224792.html.

UN Treaty Body Database. “Ratification Status for CCPR – International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.” Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, July 24, 2023, https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/Treaty.aspx?Treaty=CCPR&Lang=en.
NicaraguaFreedom of AssociationThe first mention of freedom of association in Nicaraguan law is found in the 1838 Political Constitution of the Sovereign, Free, and Independent State of Nicaragua, promulgated shortly after the country’s final independence. In Article 14, the constitution states that “popular gatherings that have as [their] object any honest pleasure, the discussion concerning politics, or to examine the public conduct of the [state] functionaries” cannot be impeded. “Political Constitution of the Sovereign, Free, and Independent State of Nicaragua.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/zzni0040&collection=cow.
NigerFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association is found in the first Constitution of Niger, enacted in 1960 shortly after independence. Under Article 7, “political parties and groups shall be instrumental in the expression of the suffrage. They shall be formed and shall carry on their activities freely on condition that they respect the principles of national sovereignty and democracy and the laws of the Republic.” “Constitution of Niger.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzne0002&id=1&men_tab=srchresults.
NigeriaFreedom of AssociationChapter IV Section 37 of the constitution of the Second Republic ( 1979) states that “every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and any political party, trade union, or other association for the protection of his interests.”

Freedom of association is enumerated in the first constitution of independent Nigeria, enacted in 1960. Under Article 25, “every person shall be entitled to … associate with other persons and in particular he may form or belong to trade unions and other associations for the protection of his interests.” The article subsequently lays out broad reservations on this article, precluding its application to laws “reasonably justifiable in a democratic society” that are in the interest of “defense, public safety, public order, public morality, or public health,” as well as those “for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of other persons.”

“The Constitution of the Federation of Nigeria.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzng0011&id=1&men_tab=srchresults.
North KoreaFreedom of AssociationThe Constitution of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, adopted in 1948, purports to grant freedom of association to its citizens. Under Article 13, citizens have the freedom of “assembly, and freedom to form associations, or participate in public demonstrations.” The article specifically says that “every citizen shall have the freedom of organizing and joining democratic political parties, trade unions, cooperative associations, and physical culture, cultural, technical, and scientific organizations.” Central Intelligence Agency. “Constitution of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/zzkp0005&collection=cow.
North MacedoniaFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association is enumerated in the constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, passed in 1991 shortly after independence from Yugoslavia (when the country was called the Republic of Macedonia). Under Article 20, “citizens are guaranteed freedom of association to exercise and protect their political, economic, social, cultural and other rights and convictions.” Citizens may “freely establish associations of citizens and political parties, join them, or resign from them.” Earlier, the 1946 Constitution of the Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia, of which North Macedonia was a constituent republic as the People’s Republic of Macedonia, protected freedom of association in Articles 20 and 27.

“Constitution of the Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/cyugo0001&id=11&men_tab=srchresults.

“Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzmk0010&id=10&men_tab=srchresults.
NorwayFreedom of AssociationThe Constitution of Norway, which was initially enacted in 1814 (making it the world’s second oldest constitution to still be in effect today, after the United States Constitution), was amended around 2014 to guarantee the right to freedom of association. Under Article 101, “everyone has the right to form, join, and leave associations, including trade unions and political parties.” Before this, Norway pledged to uphold freedom of association when it ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1972.

“The Constitution, as laid down on 17 May 1814 by the Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll and subsequently amended, most recently in May 2014.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/zzno0023&id=1&collection=cow&index=.

UN Treaty Body Database. “Ratification Status for CCPR – International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.” Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, July 24, 2023, https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/Treaty.aspx?Treaty=CCPR&Lang=en.
OmanFreedom of AssociationLimited freedom of association is protected under the Basic Statute of the State, instituted in 1996, which effectively functions as a constitution for Oman. Under Article 33, “the freedom of forming societies on a national basis and for legitimate objectives and by peaceful means – provided that it is not in conflict with the provisions and objectives of this Basic Statute – is guaranteed in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated by the [Statute].” Further, “it is prohibited to form societies the activities of which are adverse to the order of society, secret or of a military nature.” “The Basic Statute of the State.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/zzom0002&id=1&collection=cow&index=.
PakistanFreedom of AssociationThe following is from Part II, Chapter I, Section 17 of Pakistan’s current constitution ( 1973) .

“Every citizen shall have the right to form associations or unions, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan, public order or morality.”

“Every citizen, not being in the service of Pakistan, shall have the right to form or be a member of a political party, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan and such law shall provide that where the Federal Government declares that any political party has been formed or is operating in a manner prejudicial to the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan, the Federal Government shall, within fifteen days of such declaration, refer the matter to the Supreme Court whose decision on such reference shall be final.”

A limited form of freedom of association is provided by the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, enacted shortly after Pakistan became a republic in 1956. Under Article 10, “every citizen shall have the right to form associations or unions, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of morality or public order.”

“Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/zzpk0008&collection=cow.
PalauFreedom of AssociationPalau protects freedom of association in the Constitution of the Republic of Palau, enacted in 1981. Under Article IV, Section 3, “the government shall take no action to deny or impair the right of any person to … associate with others for any lawful purpose including the right to organize and to bargain collectively.” “Constitution of the Republic of Palau.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/zzpu0001&id=5&collection=cow&index=.
PanamaFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association is protected under the first constitution of Panama, enacted in 1904 shortly after the country’s independence. Article 20 guarantees Panamanians’ right to “to form associations for all the legitimate purposes of life.” Comparative Constitutions Project. “Constitution of the Republic of Panama.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzpa0048&id=1&men_tab=srchresults.
Papua New GuineaFreedom of AssociationPapua New Guinea makes provision for freedom of association in its constitution, enacted upon independence in 1975. Under Section 47, every individual has the right to freely associate with “political parties, industrial organizations, or other associations.” This right, however, is listed under the heading of “qualified rights,” so that its application is subjected to several qualifications laid out in Section 38. “Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/COWShow?collection=cow&cow_id=322.
ParaguayFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association is recognized in Paraguayan law in the 1870 constitution. Under Article 18, Paraguayans have the right to “associate with each other for useful purposes,” though “subject to the proper rules and regulations.” Comparative Constitutions Project. “Constitution of the Republic of Paraguay.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzpy0009&id=2&men_tab=srchresults.
PeruFreedom of AssociationPeru protects freedom of association in the Political Constitution of the Republic of Peru, promulgated in 1856. According to Article XXVIII, “all citizens possess the right of meeting together peaceably, whether in public or in private, provided public order be not compromised.” British and Foreign State Papers (1856-1857). “Political Constitution of the Republic of Peru – Lima, October 13, 1856.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/bfsprs0047&id=1171.
PhilippinesFreedom of AssociationThe constitution of the First Philippine Republic, also known as the Malolos Constitution and passed in 1899 during the struggle for independence from Spain, represents the first mention of freedom of association in Philippine law. Under Article 20, no Filipino may be deprived of the “right of association for purposes of human life and which are not contrary to public morals.” The LawPhil Project. “1899 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines (Malolos Convention).” Arellano Law Foundation, July 24, 2023, https://lawphil.net/consti/consmalo.html.
PolandFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association was initially protected in the 1921 constitution, passed following the establishment of the first modern Polish state in the aftermath of World War I. Article 108 says that citizens have “the right of meeting and of association, as well as that of founding societies and unions;” it then says that “the application of these rights is regulated by law.” “The Constitution of the Polish Republic.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/zzpl0051&collection=cow.
PortugalFreedom of AssociationArticle 46 of the Portugese Constitution ( 1976) :

“Citizens shall possess the right to freely associate with one another without requiring any authorisation, on condition that such associations are not intended to promote violence and their purposes are not contrary to the criminal law.”

“Associations shall pursue their purposes freely and without interference from the public authorities and shall not be dissolved by the state or have their activities suspended, except in such cases as the law may provide for and then only by judicial order.”

“No one shall be obliged to belong to an association, or be coerced to remain therein by any means.”

“Armed associations, military, militarised or paramilitary-type associations and organisations that are racist or display a fascist ideology shall not be permitted.”

Portugal first protected freedom of association in the Constitution of the Portuguese Monarchy, promulgated in 1838. Under Article XIV, “all citizens have the right of assembling together conformably to the laws.” The article subsequently lays out specifications for how it is to be applied, and concludes with “a special law shall regulate, in other respects, the exercise of this right.”

British and Foreign State Papers (1838-1839). “Constitution of the Portuguese Monarchy – Promulgated at Lisbon, April 4, 1838.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/bfsprs0027&id=775&men_tab=srchresults.
QatarFreedom of AssociationThe first mention of freedom of association in Qatar’s laws is found in the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar, promulgated in 2004. Article 45 says that “the right of citizens to establish association is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and circumstances set forth in the law.” Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzqa0002&id=2&men_tab=srchresults.
Republic of IrelandFreedom of AssociationFreedom of association is conditionally protected “personal liberty” under Article 40, Section 6, Subsection 1.iii of the 1937 Irish Constitution which states that “The right of the citizens to form associations and unions [is a guaranteed liberty]. Laws, however, may be enacted for the regulation and control in the public interest of the exercise of the foregoing right” (constituteproject.org). “Ireland 1937 (Rev. 2019) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Ireland_2019.
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RomaniaFreedom of AssociationRomania protects freedom of association in its first constitution, adopted in 1866. Under Article 27, “Romanians have the right to associate, [in accordance with] the laws that regulate the exercise of this right.” “Constitutiunea Romaniei din 1866.” Constitutia Romaniei, July 24, 2023, https://www.constitutia.ro/const1866.htm.
RussiaFreedom of AssociationPossibly the first mention of freedom of association in the law of the Russian state is in the October Manifesto, issued by Tsar Nicholas II in response to the mass unrest of the Revolution of 1905. The Manifesto pledged to guarantee to all Russian citizens “the essential foundations of civil freedom, based on the principles of genuine inviolability of the person, freedom of conscience, speech, assembly, and association.” “Manifesto of October 17, 1905.” Seton Hall University, July 24, 2023, https://academic.shu.edu/russianhistory/index.php/Manifesto_of_October_17th,_1905#:~:text=The%20disturbances%20that%20have%20taken,is%20dangerous%20to%20Our%20state.
RwandaFreedom of AssociationRwanda provides for freedom of association in its 1962 constitution, promulgated shortly after independence. Under Article 19, “all citizens have the right to freely form associations or societies, subject to… the formalities [laid down by] laws and regulations.” Nouvelles Constitutions Africaines. “Constitution de la Republique Rwandaise.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/noucoaf0001&collection=cow&index=alpha/N_cowbooks&id=15.
Saint Kitts and NevisFreedom of AssociationChapter 2 Article 13 specifies the protection of freedom of assembly and association. Saint Kitts and Nevis became fully independent from Britain in 1983. The constitution was adopted the same year. Also in this section are the conditions under which limitations of this freedom may be imposed. The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. “The Constitution of Saint Christopher and Nevis. 2023. https://www.gov.kn/the-constitution/
Saint LuciaFreedom of AssociationChapter 1 Article 11 of the Constitution of Saint Lucia regards freedom of association and assembly. Saint Lucia became independent from the British Commonwealth in February 1979, however, the Constitution was drafted in 1978, then coming into operation on the day of independence.

Georgetown University. “Saint Lucia Constitutional Order 1978” https://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Lucia/Luc78.html

Saint Lucia “let her inspire you.” History and culture. https://www.stlucia.org/en/discover-saint-lucia/history-culture/
Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesFreedom of AssociationChapter 1 Article 11 specifies the protection of freedom of assembly and association. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and the first draft of the constitution was written. When complete independence was gained in 1979, The constitution was revised and adopted.

Constitution of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1979. Organization of American States. http://www.oas.org/es/sla/dlc/mesicic/docs/mesicic4_svg_const.pdf

CIA World Factbook. Saint Vincent and The Grenadines. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines/
SamoaFreedom of AssociationPart 2 Section 13 of the Constitution lists the rights regarding freedom of speech, assembly, association, movement and residence. The Constitution was first drafted in 1954, in a constitutional convention with New Zealand. The Final draft was approved in 1962, The year of independence.

Britannica. Samoa https://www.britannica.com/place/Samoa-island-nation-Pacific-Ocean/History

CONSTITUTION OF THE INDEPENDENT STATE OF SAMOA. International Labour Organization. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/44021/124322/F-82949215/WSM44021.pdf
San MarinoFreedom of AssociationArticle 6 of The Declaration of Citizens' Rights and of the fundamental principles of the San Marinese legal order specifies Freedom of Association. The Constitution of San Marino, from 1600, does not specify the individual rights so the Declaration of Citizen’s Rights and fundamental principles of San Marino was adopted on July 8,1974.

Declaration of Citizens Rights and Fundamental Principles of San Marino. Rights of Assembly. https://www.rightofassembly.info/assets/downloads/1974_Constitution_of_San_Marino.pdf

CIA World Factbook. San Marino. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/san-marino/
Saudi ArabiaFreedom of AssociationSaudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy with heavy restriction of civil liberties. According to the US State Department, as of 2022, Saudi Arabia’s law “provides for limited freedom of assembly and association, but the government did not respect these rights.”

“2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Saudi Arabia. U.S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/saudi-arabia/

CIA World Factbook. Saudi Arabia. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saudi-arabia/#government

Constitution of Saudi Arabia. University of Minnesota. http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/research/saudiarabia/saudi-constitution.html

Freedom House. World Freedom Report. Saudi Arabia https://freedomhouse.org/country/saudi-arabia/freedom-world/2022
SenegalFreedom of AssociationTitle II article 8 covers freedom of association along with, opinion, expression, press, assembly, movement, and manifestation in the Constitution of the Republic of Senegal. Independence was gained from France in 1960, The constitution was adopted in 1963, most recently promulgated in 2001.

CIA World Factbook. Senegal https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/senegal/#government

Constitution of the republic of Senegal. Translated. https://wipolex-res.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/sn/sn014en.pdf
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South AfricaFreedom of AssociationChapter 3 section 17 of the 1993 Interim Constitution states that “every person shall have the right to freedom of association.”
South KoreaFreedom of AssociationChapter two Article Ten of the Constitution ( 1948) : “All citizens shall enjoy freedom of speech and the press, and freedom of assembly and association.”
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São Tomé and PríncipeFreedom of AssociationPart II article 35 covers the freedom of association in the Constitution of São Tomé e Principe. The country gained independence from Portugal in July 1975, adopting the constitution November 5, 1975.

CIA World Factbook. São Tomé e Príncipehttps://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/sao-tome-and-principe/

Constitution of Sao Tome e Principe. Constitute Project. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_1990
TajikistanFreedom of AssociationThe constitution of 1994 of Tajikistan recognizes the freedom of association in Article 28 and is cited to ‘correspond to democratic norms’. Article 8 of the constitution states citizens may form associations that only function and exist within the framework of the constitution.

Tajikistan, Supreme Assembly. 2016. Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan.

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Tajikistan_2016.pdf?lang=en. (Orig. pub. 1994.).
TanzaniaFreedom of AssociationTanzania’s constitution of 1977 article 20 provides every person the freedom to associate. The article highlights five restrictions to the freedom of association which include: violent associations, tribal or religious political associations, and the breakdown of the United Republic. Judiciary of Tanzania. 2005. THE CONSTITUTION of the UNITED REPUBLIC of TANZANIA. Www.judiciary.go.tz. http://www.judiciary.go.tz/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/constitution.pdf. (Orig. pub. 1977.).
ThailandFreedom of AssociationThailand has had multiple constitutions since 1932 after the abolition of the absolute monarchy. Section 42 of the latest constitution of Thailand (2017) highlights the ‘liberty to unite and form an association, co-operative, union, organisation, community, or any other group.’ Provision 14 of the 1932 Constitution also highlighted the right to association.Thailand Constitution. 1932. https://media.bloomsburyprofessional.com/rep/files/thailand-constitution-1932-december.pdf. Constitution Drafting Committee. 2017. Constitution of Thailand. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/103607/132859/F-1348511433/THA103607%202019.pdf.
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TogoFreedom of AssociationThe constitution of the fourth republic of Togo adapted in 1992 and revised in 2007 details in article 30 the right of association, assembly, and peaceful demonstration without violence. Togo. 2007. The 1963 constitution does not address freedom of association. “Togo 1992 (Rev. 2007) Constitution - Constitute.” Www.constituteproject.org. 2007. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Togo_2007.
TongaFreedom of AssociationThe Tongan constitution was adopted in 1875 and was last revised in 2020. The constitution does not explicitly state a freedom of association, rather the freedom of assembly in Article 8 which highlights ‘The Freedom of Petition’ in which all people are free to peacefully send letters and petitions to the legislators and king. Kingdom of Tonga. 2021. CONSTITUTION of TONGA. https://www.parliament.gov.to/parliamentary-business/documents/constitution-of-tonga/file/487-act-of-constitution-of-tonga-2020-revised-edition. (Orig. pub. 1875.).
Trinidad and TobagoFreedom of AssociationThe Trinidad and Tobago constitution Act of 1976 revised last in 2007 declares the rights enshrined in the constitution in Chapter 1 Part 1 article 4j which details: ) the ‘freedom of association and assembly’. Trinidad and Tobago. 1978. “THE CONSTITUTION of the REPUBLIC of TRINIDAD and TOBAGO.” https://www.oas.org/juridico/english/mesicic3_tto_constitution.pdf.
TunisiaFreedom of AssociationThe Tunisian Constitution of 2014 (Arabic: 2014 دستور تونس) was adopted on 26 January 2014, article 35 of the constitution guarantees the freedom of establishment of political parties, unions, and associations while respecting financial transparency and the rejection of any incitement of violence. Tunisia had included the right of freedom of association after independence from France in 1959 as part of Article 8. The original short lived 1861 constitution does not highlight any freedom of association.

Bourguiba, Habib. 1959. “WIPO Lex, Tunisia, the Constitution of Tunisia, 1959.” Www.wipo.int. 1959. https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/7201.

National Parliament. 2014. “WIPO Lex, Tunisia, the Constitution of the Republic of Tunisia, 2014.” Www.wipo.int. 2014. https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/14847.
TurkeyFreedom of AssociationThe first instance of the right of freedom of association was the second Turkish Constitution(1924 Türk Anayasası), in Section V which detailed multiple rights including the Freedom of Assembly. Earl, Edward Meade. "The New Constitution of Turkey." Political Science Quarterly 40, no. 1 (March 1925): 96-97.
TurkmenistanFreedom of AssociationTurkmenistan after independence from the Soviet Union had multiple constitutions; the earliest instance of the right of freedom of association is the 1992 Constitution which states in article 28 'Citizens have the right to form political parties and other social associations which operate within the framework of the Constitution and laws'. There are 3 constitutions which existed as the Turkmen SSR. Turkmenistan. 1992. “Constitution of Turkmenistan.” Web.archive.org. 1992. https://web.archive.org/web/20150414030847/http://www.uta.edu/cpsees/TURKCON.htm.
TuvaluFreedom of AssociationThe kingdom of Tuvalu’s constitution first asserts the freedom of association and assembly as part of section 11 of the 1982 constitution revised in 2008, and is developed in more detail in section 25 which describes the provisions and purposes of the freedom. Tuvalu is a part of the Commonwealth. Parliament of Tuvalu. 1986. THE CONSTITUTION of TUVALU. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/3899/95791/F656430737/TUV3899.pdf. (Orig. pub. 2008.).
UgandaFreedom of AssociationAccording to the constitution of the Republic of Uganda article 29 the first instance of the Rights and protections such as the freedom of association which include: “Protection of freedom of conscience, expression, movement, religion, assembly and association.” The Right is then defined in section e; which details the freedom to form and join associations or unions, including trade unions and political and other civic organisations. Republic of Uganda. 1995. Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Www.parliament.go.ug. https://www.parliament.go.ug/documents/1240/constitution. (Orig. pub. 2018.).
UkraineFreedom of AssociationThe first instance of Ukraine allowing the freedom of association is the Ukraine SSR’s 1937 Constitution which entails the (в) свобода зборів і мітингів,г) свобода вуличних походів і демонстрацій.) which translates to the freedom of c) freedom of assembly and rallies, d) freedom of street marches and demonstrations, which can be equivalent to the freedom of association. Extraordinary XIV Ukrainian Congress of Soviets. 1937. “Constitution (Basic Law) of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic .” Wikisource. 1937.
United Arab EmiratesFreedom of AssociationThe United Arab Emirates constitution ‘dastūr’ of 1971 temporarily developed after the unification of the 6 Emirates details in article 33 that the Freedom of assembly and association are guaranteed within the limits of the law. Ras al Khaimah joined the Union in 1972 becoming the 7th Emirate. rulers of the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. 1971. The constitution was ratified permanently in 1996 “The Constitution of the United Arab Emirates of 1971.” Official Gazette. December 2, 1971 https://www.raalc.ae/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The-Constitution-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-of-1971-English-1.pdf.
United KingdomFreedom of AssociationThe 1990 Human Rights Act protects the Right to assemble and associate, subject to reasonable and proportionate restrictions. The HRA primarily serves to codify the European Convention on Human Rights into British Law (the ECHR and its associated court are not related to the EU, and the UK is still a signatory).

In 1776, Richard Price, a British writer who supported the American revolution published Observations on the Nature of Civil Liberty, the Principles of Government, and the Justice and Policy of the War with America. Unlike other commentaries on civil rights, he includes discussion on free assembly. He describes a prohibition on “associating for any purposes, except when leave should be given us by a Lord Lieutenant or Viceroy” as being part of a “state of oppression which no country can endure.” Though he does not phrase it as a fundamental right, the fact that Price deems draconian restrictions on association oppressive implies a belief in at least a limited freedom of association. This is the first instance I could find of a political theorist invoking the concept of freedom of association (or the lack thereof).

There is a more explicit case for free association in John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty (1859). Mill lays a broad notion of individual liberty. He then argues that “from this liberty of each individual, follows the liberty, within the same limits, of combination among individuals; freedom to unite, for any purpose not involving harm to others: the persons combining being supposed to be of full age, and not forced or deceived (16).” Before any British thinkers espoused freedom of association as a right, John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and David Hume addressed the issue (as Boyd helpfully summarizes). Hobbes detested associations, referring to them as “lesser commonwealths in the bowels of a greater, like worms in the entrails of a natural man” (257).

Locke disagreed with Hobbes’ cynical perspective on groups. John Locke’s “A Letter Concerning Toleration” primarily concerns religious associations, but he extends certain arguments to associations in general. The italicized text below is Boyd’s summarization (241), where sections in quotes come directly from “A Letter.” As Boyd notes, though Locke defends policies that allow freer association, he does so because of their practical benefits, not because it is a fundamental right (2008, 241).

“Suppose this Business of Religion were let alone,” Locke hypothesizes, “and that there were some other Distinction made between men and men, upon account of their different Complexions, Shapes, and Features.” Under conditions of differential treatment, such persons, “united together by one common persecution,” would become just as dangerous and disruptive.26 Conversely, if the state eliminated special privileges, on the one hand, or disproportionate burdens, on the other, then supposedly intractable religious or ethnic affiliations would become matters of complete indifference, no more or less contentious than other private decisions about how to spend one’s money, manage one’s estates, or marry off one’s daughter. Finally, David Hume’s “Of Parties in General” (1742) is another important piece of Enlightenment work skeptical of associations. His position is more nuanced that Hobbes; he understands that association may exist for different purposes. Factions “of interest” are deemed less dangerous than factions “of principle.” Regarding factions of principle, he wonders the following: “But where the difference of principle is attended with no contrariety of action, but every one may follow his own way, without interfering with his neighbour, as happens in all religious controversies; what madness, what fury can beget such unhappy and such fatal divisions?”

References:

Boyd, Richard. “THE MADISONIAN PARADOX OF FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION.” Social philosophy & policy 25, no. 2 (2008): 235–262.

Locke, John. “Letter Concerning Toleration”

Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty

Price, Richard. Observations on the Nature of Civil Liberty. London: Edward and Charles Dilly and Thomas Cadell, 1776.

While there are multiple instance of implied rights of association and petition such as the Magna Carta and the Petition of Right in 1628, the first explicit right to association is Trade Union Act, 1871 which granted the right to form and join trade unions for the purpose of protecting their interests and improving working conditions.

Trade Union Act, 1871. 1871. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/98373/117044/F1671923749/IRL98373.pdf.
United StatesFreedom of AssociationListed at the bottom of this section is language from the State Constitutions of New Hampshire and North Carolina and the Pennsylvania Declaration of Rights, all from 1776, which articulate the right to assemble (assembly and association are not always interchangeable, but many constitutions group them together). These documents all contain rights to assemble written in remarkably similar language, and they describe the right as politically driven. These were the oldest references to something like the right of association in governing documents.

Despite modern views of assembly as related to association, at the time of America’s founding, it would have been better understood as related to the right to petition. According to Congress’s online annotated Constitution, the assembly clause meant that the people have a right to assemble in order to petition the government. The site says that assembly was initially seen as a “subordinate and instrumental” right ("Freedom of Assembly and Petition"). The aforementioned state constitutions should be interpreted the same way. In fact, this is even more clear in these state constitutions than in the national one. The state constitutions surround the right to assemble with expressly political language, such as the right to petition and advocacy for the “common good,” while the First Amendment’s guarantees are political, but not entirely political (it protects religion, and protected speech and press are often, but not always, political).

As Richard Boyd argues in “The Madisonian Paradox of Free Association,” America’s founders did not explicitly include free association because at least some of them were skeptical of it, worrying that certain associations would be conspiratorial or seditious. He summarizes the British Enlightenment tradition skeptical of associations, which influenced the founders (I describe this in the last few paragraphs of the UK section, on Hobbes, Locke, and Hume). James Madison, the primary author of the Bill of Rights, feared the influence of factions, which private associations furthered. As Boyd notes, Madison viewed association as a “second-order” right (page 258), whose existence is tolerable because institutions can mitigate its worst effects (page 247). The following passage from “Federalist No. 10” illustrates his attitude toward factions arising from free association:

It could never be more truly said than of the first remedy, that it was worse than the disease. Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires. But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency.

As Boyd notes, there are several possible reasons why Madison may not have enumerated the right to associate. It is possible that he saw it as implied by other First-Amendment rights, such as free assembly. It also may have been seen as less important or vulnerable than other rights, and Madison may have seen it as the type of auxiliary right protected by the Ninth Amendment. Finally, the right’s exclusion may have been because the founders were too skeptical of it for its inclusion (258).

Since the 1950s and 60s, SCOTUS has, to an extent, ruled that the speech and assembly rights imply a right to associate, especially for politically expressive purposes. For example, it ruled in NAACP v. Alabama that the NAACP cannot be forced to submit a membership roster to a state government. In 2000, in Boy Scouts v. Dale, the court held that the Boy Scouts could exclude gay members (in violation of state non-dsicrimination laws) because not being able to do so would undermine their ability to express a viewpoint - expressive association.

In Roberts v. US Jaycees, an organization for young business leaders’ ban on female members was challenged because it violated state non-discrimination law. This case is notable because the court identified a new form of association: intimate association. The opinion of the court states that “certain intimate human relationships be secured against undue intrusion by the State because of the role of such relationships in safeguarding the individual freedom that is central to our constitutional scheme.” The opinion places this right under the general aims of the First Amendment. The court ruled against the organization, but in so doing, it established the idea that Americans have the right to free intimate and expressive association. Still, one could argue that in a state with true freedom to associate, any group of people would be able to enact whatever membership restrictions it wanted, regardless of whether or not it falls into the categories of “expressive” or “intimate.”

Although assembly is the First-Amendment freedom that most seems to correspond with association, SCOTUS has not derived free association this way. Rather, it uses a more nebulous combination of various First-Amendment rights. As the majority held in NAACP v. Button, “It is not necessary to subsume such activity under a narrow, literal conception of freedom of speech, petition or assembly, for there is no longer any doubt that the First and Fourteenth Amendments protect certain forms of orderly group activity.”

Article XVIII of North Carolina’s Constitution: “That the people have a right to assemble together, to consult for their common good, to instruct their Representatives, and to apply to the Legislature, for redress of grievances.” Section 21 of New Hampshire’s Constitution: “The citizens have a right in a peaceable manner to assemble for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the powers of government, for redress of grievances, or for other purposes, by petition, address, or remonstrance. No law abridging the freedom of speech shall be enacted.”

Section XVI of the Pennsylvania Declaration of Rights: “That the people have a right to assemble together, to consult for their common good, to instruct their representatives, and to apply to the legislature for redress of grievances, by address, petition, or remonstrance.

References:

Boyd, Richard. “THE MADISONIAN PARADOX OF FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION.” Social philosophy & policy 25, no. 2 (2008): 235–262.



The first instance in US constitutional law addressing the equivalent of the freedom of association is the inclusion of the right of freedom of assembly in the First Amendment to the United States constitution adopted in 1791. The amendment states: ‘That Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting its free exercise. It protects freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.’ The Supreme Court has asserted in cases such as NAACP v. Alabama (1958) that the amendment includes the right of freedom of association.

The White House. 2023. “The Constitution.” The White House. 2023. https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-constitution/#:~:text=The%20First%20Amendment%20provides%20that.
UruguayFreedom of AssociationThe first instance of Freedom of Association in Uruguayan constitution is the 1934 constitution which stated in article 38 according to the translation: “Article 38.- All persons have the right to associate, whatever the object they pursue, provided that they do not constitute an illegal association declared by Law. ”“Constituci�N de La Rep�Blica - 1934.” 1934. Web.archive.org. 1934. https://web.archive.org/web/20131216185532/http://www.parlamento.gub.uy/Constituciones/Const934.htm.
UzbekistanFreedom of AssociationThe first instance of the right of association is guaranteed in the 1992 Constitution of Uzbekistan. The 34th article roughly states that all citizens have the right to association and that no one may infringe on the rights, freedoms and dignity of the individuals. 08.12.1992. The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 1992. Lex.uz. 1992. https://lex.uz/docs/4032775.
VanuatuFreedom of AssociationThe first instance of the freedom of association in the Vanuatuan Constitution is in the first edition after independence in 1980 asserts in Chapter 2 Part 1 in article 5 sub article h that all individuals are entitled to freedom of assembly and association without discrimination. REPUBLIC OF VANUATU. 1980. “CONSTITUTION of the REPUBLIC of VANUATU.” https://parliament.gov.vu/images/pdf/constitution.pdf.
VenezuelaFreedom of AssociationThere are multiple constitutions and iterations of the Venezuelan constitution and the first instance of freedom of association is the 1961 constitution which indicated in article 70 that everyone has the right to associate for lawful purposes, in accordance with the law. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. 1961. “Constitución de Venezuela, 1961 Con Reformas de 1983.” Pdba.georgetown.edu. 1961. https://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Venezuela/ven1961.html.
VietnamFreedom of AssociationThe first instance of the freedom of association in Vietnam is the 1946 constitution of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, in Article 10 which states in translation; Vietnamese citizens have the right to: Freedom of organization and meeting, among other rights. Upon reunification of the North and South of Vietnam the 1992 Constitution indicated in article 69 that citizens are entitled to freedom of speech … assembly, association and demonstration in accordance with the law. “Hiến Pháp 1946 Việt Nam Dân Chủ Cộng Hòa.” 1946. Thuvienphapluat.vn. 1946. https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van-ban/Bo-may-hanh-chinh/Hien-phap-1946-Viet-Nam-Dan-Chu-Cong-Hoa-36134.aspx?v=d. Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 1992. “1992 CONSTITUTION of the SOCIALIST REPUBLIC of VIETNAM (as Amended 25 December 2001).” Http://Www.vietnamlaws.com/Freelaws/Constitution92%28aa01%29.Pdf/. 1992. https://web.archive.org/web/20081016121441/http://www.vietnamlaws.com/freelaws/Constitution92%28aa01%29.pdf/.
YemenFreedom of AssociationFirst instance of the right to association is the 39th Article in the 1991 constitution which stated: ‘Citizens all over the Republic may, in a manner that does not contravene the provisions of this constitution, associate politically, professionally, and in trade unions.‘ Further guaranteeing this right in the article stating the various types of associations permitted. LL.M., Prof. Dr. Axel Tschentscher,. 1991. “Yemen Constitution.” Www.servat.unibe.ch. ICL. May 16, 1991. http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ym00000_.html.
ZambiaFreedom of AssociationZambia states in its constitution of 1991 that every person in Zambia has the right to: freedom of conscience, expression, assembly, movement and association according to article 11 as part of fundamental rights. President and Parliament of Zimbabwe. 1991. “Zambia 1991 (Rev. 2009) Constitution - Constitute.” Www.constituteproject.org. 1991. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Zambia_2009?lang=en.
ZimbabweFreedom of AssociationZimbabwe first highlights the right of association in section 21. Protection of freedom of assembly and association of the 1980 constitution after independence from the United Kingdom. Zimbabwe. 1980. “CONSTITUTION of ZIMBABWE.” AceProject. 1980. https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ZW/Constitution%20of%20Zimbabwe%201980.pdf.
AfghanistanFreedom of ExpressionIn Afghanistan's 2004 constitution Article 34 explicitly protects the freedom of expression. With every Afghan having the right to “express through speech, writing, illustrations as well as other means in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.” “Afghanistan 2004 Constitution.” Constitute. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Afghanistan_ 2004? lang=en.
AlbaniaFreedom of ExpressionThe Albanian constitution uses article 22 to guarantee the freedom of expression. This has been the case since the constitution was ratified in 1998. “Albania 1998 (Rev. 2016) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed September 14, 2022. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Albania_2016?lang=en.
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AndorraFreedom of ExpressionThe Andorran constitution ensures freedom of expression and the freedom to share information in the 12th article of their constitution. This right was codified in 1993 and includes a prohibition on public censorship. “Andorra 1993 Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed September 14, 2022. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Andorra_1993?lang=en.
AngolaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Antigua and BarbudaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
ArgentinaFreedom of ExpressionIn Argentina the 1853 constitution laid the groundwork for freedom of expression. However, The 1983 reinstatement of the constitution brought with it more explicit definitions of the freedom of expression in found in article 14 of the nation's constitution. “Argentina 1853 (Reinst. 1983, Rev. 1994) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed September 14, 2022. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Argentina_1994?lang=en.
ArmeniaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
AustraliaFreedom of ExpressionThe Constitution does not explicitly protect freedom of expression, but in 1992 the High Court of Australia ruled in favor of political expression, setting a precedent and implying protection of freedom of expression. “Freedom of Information, Opinion and Expression.” The Australian Human Rights Commission. Accessed September 14, 2022. https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/rights-and-freedoms/freedom-information-opinion-and-expression.
AustriaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
AzerbaijanFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BahrainFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BangladeshFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BarbadosFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BelarusFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BelgiumFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BelizeFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BeninFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BhutanFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BoliviaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Bosnia and HerzegovinaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BotswanaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BrazilFreedom of ExpressionThe Brazilian constitution included the fundamental freedom of expression in the seventh constitution of Brazil in 1988. While later amendments would change the constitution the freedom of expression has remained constant. “Federal Supreme Court Constitution - Stf.jus.br.” Accessed September 14, 2022. https://www.stf.jus.br/arquivo/cms/legislacaoConstituicao/anexo/brazil_federal_constitution.pdf.
BruneiFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BulgariaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Burkina FasoFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
BurundiFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
CambodiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
CameroonFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
CanadaFreedom of ExpressionIn Canada the "Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms" of 1982 a part of the Canadian constitution that set in stone the fundamental rights and freedoms afforded to all Canadians. It is proceeded by the Constitution of Canada adopted in 1867, but the constitution makes no such explicit protection for the freedom of expression. Heritage, Canadian. “Government of Canada.” Canada.ca. / Gouvernement du Canada, March 24, 2022. Last modified March 24, 2022. Accessed September 20, 2022. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/how-rights-protected/guide-canadian-charter-rights-freedoms.html.
Cape VerdeFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Central African RepublicFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
ChadFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
ChileFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
ChinaFreedom of ExpressionThe Constitution of the People’s Republic of China ( 1982)
ColombiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
ComorosFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Costa RicaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
CroatiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
CubaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
CyprusFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Czech RepublicFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Democratic Republic of the CongoFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
DenmarkFreedom of ExpressionDenmark has protected freedom of expression since their 1953 constitution was adopted. “Denmark's Constitution of 1953 - Constituteproject.org.” 2022. Accessed September 28. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Denmark_1953.pdf?lang=en&lang=en.
DjiboutiFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
DominicaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Dominican RepublicFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
East TimorFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
EcuadorFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
EgyptFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
El SalvadorFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Equatorial GuineaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
EritreaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
EstoniaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
EswatiniFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
EthiopiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Federated States of MicronesiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
FijiFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
FinlandFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
FranceFreedom of ExpressionDeclaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen ( 1789)
GabonFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
GeorgiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
GermanyFreedom of ExpressionWeimar Constitution of 1919
GhanaFreedom of Expression1992 Constitution of Ghana
GreeceFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
GrenadaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
GuatemalaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
GuineaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Guinea-BissauFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
GuyanaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
HaitiFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
HondurasFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
HungaryFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
IcelandFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
IndiaFreedom of ExpressionThe Constitution of India Bill (also referred to as the Swaraj Bill) codified in 1895 was the first to protect freedom of expression. “Constitution of India.” 2015. CAD. June. https://www.constitutionofindia.net/historical_constitutions/the_constitution_of_india_bill__unknown__1895__1st%20January%201895#:~:text=The%20Constitution%20of%20India%20Bill%201895%2C%20also%20referred%20to%20as,albeit%20within%20the%20British%20Empire.
IndonesiaFreedom of ExpressionIn Indonesia the 1945 Constitution was the first to protect freedom of expression “Indonesia 1945 (Reinst. 1959, Rev. 2002) Constitution.” 2022. Constitute. Accessed October 30. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Indonesia_2002?lang=en.
IranFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
IraqFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
IsraelFreedom of ExpressionFreedom of expression is loosely defined by the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel and rulings by the Israel Supreme Court, although never explicitly protected.
ItalyFreedom of ExpressionConstitution of 1948 Was the first to protect freedom of expression. “Italy 1948 (Rev. 2012) Constitution.” 2020. Constitute. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en.
Ivory CoastFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
JamaicaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
JapanFreedom of ExpressionArticle 21 of Japan's 1947 Constitution established freedom of expression. “The Constitution of Japan.” 2022. The Constitution of Japan. Accessed October 31. https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html.
JordanFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
KazakhstanFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
KenyaFreedom of Expression1963 Constitution
Kingdom of the NetherlandsFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
KiribatiFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
KuwaitFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
KyrgyzstanFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
LaosFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
LatviaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
LebanonFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
LesothoFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
LiberiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
LibyaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
LiechtensteinFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
LithuaniaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
LuxembourgFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MadagascarFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MalawiFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MalaysiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MaldivesFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MaliFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MaltaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Marshall IslandsFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MauritaniaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MauritiusFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MexicoFreedom of ExpressionThe Mexican Constitutions of 1857 and 1917 both protect the citizens right to freedom of expression. “Political Constitution of the United Mexican States - UNAM.” UNAM. Accessed November 14, 2022. https://www2.juridicas.unam.mx/constitucion-reordenada-consolidada/en/vigente.
MoldovaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MonacoFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MongoliaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MontenegroFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MoroccoFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MozambiqueFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
MyanmarFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
NamibiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
NauruFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
NepalFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
New ZealandFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
NicaraguaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
NigerFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
NigeriaFreedom of ExpressionFederal Republic of Nigeria constitution ( 1958)
North KoreaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
North MacedoniaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
NorwayFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
OmanFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
PakistanFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
PalauFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
PanamaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Papua New GuineaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
ParaguayFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
PeruFreedom of ExpressionConstitution of 1993
PhilippinesFreedom of Expression1987 Constitution
PolandFreedom of ExpressionThe Little Constitution of 1992
PortugalFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
QatarFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Republic of IrelandFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Republic of the CongoFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
RomaniaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
RussiaFreedom of ExpressionConstitution of Russian Federation ( 1993)
RwandaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Saint Kitts and NevisFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Saint LuciaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SamoaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
San MarinoFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Saudi ArabiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SenegalFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SerbiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SeychellesFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Sierra LeoneFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SingaporeFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SlovakiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SloveniaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Solomon IslandsFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SomaliaFreedom of ExpressionNational Communications Act of March 2012
South AfricaFreedom of ExpressionSouth African Bill of Rights of the Constitution ( 1996)
South KoreaFreedom of ExpressionConstitution of 1948
South SudanFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SpainFreedom of ExpressionConstitution of 1978
Sri LankaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SudanFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SurinameFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SwedenFreedom of ExpressionFreedom of the Press Act of 1766
SwitzerlandFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
SyriaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
São Tomé and PríncipeFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
TajikistanFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
TanzaniaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
ThailandFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
The BahamasFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
The GambiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
TogoFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
TongaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
Trinidad and TobagoFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
TunisiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
TurkeyFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
TurkmenistanFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
TuvaluFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
UgandaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
UkraineFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
United Arab EmiratesFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
United KingdomFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
United StatesFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
UruguayFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
UzbekistanFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
VanuatuFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
VenezuelaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
VietnamFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
YemenFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
ZambiaFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
ZimbabweFreedom of Expression{{{contents}}}
AfghanistanFreedom of ReligionAfghanistan
AlbaniaFreedom of Religion{{{contents}}}
AlgeriaFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion was first guaranteed in the Algerian Constitution of 1963. Article 4 of the document guarantees this right, while also stating that Islam is the state religion.


“Constitution of Algeria.” World Constitutions Illustrated, Heinonline. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.cow/zzdz0026&i=1
AndorraFreedom of ReligionAndorra’s 1993 Constitution is the first document in the country’s history to define freedom of religion. Article 11 specifically outlines the right. “Andorra 1993.” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Andorra_1993
AngolaFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion was first protected by Article 7 of Angola’s 1975 Interim Constitution. It was later replaced by the Constitution of 1992, which also guaranteed the right.

“The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Angola.” World Constitutions Illustrated, Heinonline. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.journals/rsl2&i=197

“Constitutional Law of the Republic of Angola.” Constitution Network. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/Angola%20Constitution.pdf
Antigua and BarbudaFreedom of ReligionAntigua and Barbuda’s 1981 Constitution contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s independent history. Article 11 specifically outlines this right.


“The Republic of Antigua and Barbuda Constitutional Order 1981.” Political Database of the Americas. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Antigua/antigua-barbuda.html
ArgentinaFreedom of ReligionThe Constitution establishes freedom of religion, but also gives preferential status to the Roman Catholic Church (U.S. Department of State, "ARGENTINA 2018 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT").
ArmeniaFreedom of ReligionThe 1995 Constitution of Armenia contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s post-Soviet history. The right guaranteed in Article 8.1 as long as organizations operate “in accordance with the law.” Meanwhile, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church is cited as the national church.


“Armenia 1995 (rev. 2005).” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Armenia_2005?lang=en
AustraliaFreedom of ReligionCommonwealth of Australia Constitution Act was ratified on July 6th, 1900. Article 116 prevents any legislation on religion, including legislation to stopping its free expression. Commonwealth Parliament. “Chapter V. The States.” Parliament of Australia, Commonwealth Parliament, 16 Jan. 2019, https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/Constitution/chapter5#chapter-05_116. Austria The Constitution of Austria was ratified on October 1, 1920 and reinstated on May 1, 1945. Article 7 bans discrimination, including on the basis of religion, and Article 14 (b) bans discrimination on the basis of religion in public schools specifically. Constitution Project. “Austria the Federal Constitutional Law of 1920 Law No. 153/2004 ...” Constitute, POGO, 27 Apr. 2022, https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/Austria%20_FULL_%20Constitution.pdf.


In accordance with English Common Law, Australia’s Constitution does not clearly guarantee freedom of religion. However, Article 116 of the document orders the “Commonwealth not to legislate in respect of religion.” Additionally, multiple Australian states have adopted laws and constitutions protecting the right.


“The Australian Constitution.” Parliament of Australia. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.aph.gov.au/constitution

“2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Australia.” U.S. Department of State. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/australia/#:~:text=In%20Queensland%2C%20Victoria%2C%20and%20the,the%20grounds%20of%20religious%20belief.
AustriaFreedom of ReligionThe current Austrian state has maintained the Basic Law on the General Rights of Nationals of 1867, drafted during the Habsburg Empire. This makes Article 14 of the document the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s modern history. However, deeper legal foundations for this right can be found in the Patents of Tolerance of 1781/82.


“Austria’s Religious Landscape.” Austria Embassy Washington. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.austria.org/religion#:~:text=EXPRESSIONS%20OF%20THE%20BASIC%20RIGHT%20OF%20RELIGIOUS%20FREEDOM&text=According%20to%20Austrian%20law%20(Law,choose%20his%20or%20her%20religion.
AzerbaijanFreedom of ReligionAzerbaijan’s Constitution of 1995 contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s post-Soviet history. Article 48 of the document specifically defines this right. “Azerbaijan 1995 (rev. 2016).” Constitute. Accessed July 19, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Azerbaijan_2016
BahrainFreedom of ReligionThe Bahraini Constitution of 1973 contains the first assertion of religious freedom in the country’s independent history. Article 22 specifically articulates this right. “Bahrain Old Constitution (1973).” International Constitutional Law Project. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ba01000_.html
BangladeshFreedom of Religion{{{contents}}}
BarbadosFreedom of ReligionBarbados’s Constitution of 1966 was the first document to protect freedom of religion in the country’s independent history. Article 19 specifically defines this right. “The Constitution of Barbados.” Organization of American States. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.oas.org/dil/the_constitution_of_barbados.pdf
BelarusFreedom of ReligionThe Belarussian Constitution of 1994 contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s post-Soviet history. Article 31 of the document defines this right. “Belarus 1994 (rev. 2004).” Constitute. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Belarus_2004
BelgiumFreedom of ReligionArticles 19, 20, and 21 of Belgium’s 1830 Constitution contain the first protections of freedom of religion in the country’s history. However, Article 19 states that “offenses committed when this freedom is used may be punished.” “Belgium’s Constitution of 1831 with Amendments through 2014.” Constitute. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Belgium_2014.pdf?lang=en
BelizeFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion was first guaranteed in Belize by its Constitution of 1981. Article 11 of the document specifically outlines this right. “Belize 1981 (rev. 2011).” Constitute. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Belize_2011
BeninFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion was first specifically outlined in Article 135 of Benin’s 1977 Constitution. However, its predecessor, the Constitution of Dahomey (1965) did state that the country “guarantees the freedom of speech, press, assembly, association, procession and manifestation.”

“Constitution of Dahomey.” World Constitutions Illustrated, Heinlonline. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.cow/zzbj0002&i=1

“Fundamental Law of the People’s Republic of Benin.” World Constitutions Illustrated, Heinlonline. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.cow/zzbj0035&i=3
BhutanFreedom of Religion{{{contents}}}
BoliviaFreedom of ReligionFreedom of conscience is recognized in Title II of Bolivia’s 1826 Constitution, which also states that the country’s religion is Catholicism. However, the Constitution has since gone through 16 iterations, with the most current adopted in 2009. It protects the right in Article 4, and separates church from state.


“Bolivia (Plurinational Republic of) 2009.” Constitute. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bolivia_2009

“Constitution of the Bolivian Republic.” World Constitutions Illustrated, Heinlonline. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.cow/zzbo0003&i=1
Bosnia and HerzegovinaFreedom of ReligionThe Bosnian and Herzegovinian Constitution of 1995 contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s independent history. Article 3(g) specifically outlines this right.


“Bosnia and Herzegovina 1995 (rev. 2009).” Constitute. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bosnia_Herzegovina_2009
BotswanaFreedom of ReligionBotswana’s Constitution of 1966 is the first document in the country’s independent history to protect freedom of conscience. Article 3(b) outlines this right.


“Botswana 1966 (rev. 2016).” Constitute. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Botswana_2016
BrazilFreedom of ReligionThe Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and religious practice. In addition, it prohibits the state from favoring one religion over others (U.S. Department of State, " 2016 Report on International Religious Freedom - Brazil").
BruneiFreedom of ReligionThe Constitution of Brunei Declares the Shafi’i school of Sunni Islam (Shafeite sect) the Official religion of the country, However, Part II, Article 3, Section 1 states, “all other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony by the persons professing them.” This Assertion is first seen in the 1959 Constitution of Brunei Darussalam

CIA World Factbook. Brunei. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brunei/#government

U.S. Department of State 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Brunei https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/brunei

International Commission of Jurists. Constitution of Brunei Darussalam 1959. https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Brunei-Constitution-1959-eng.pdf
BulgariaFreedom of Religion{{{contents}}}
Burkina FasoFreedom of ReligionUnder Chapter I, Article 7, Freedom of Religion is asserted in the 1991 Constitution of Burkina Faso. This article also specifies that respect for the law, public order, good morals, and the human person must be upheld with free practice. Equality regardless of religion is also guaranteed under Article I. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Constitution of Burkina Faso. 1991. https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/bkf128139E.pdf
BurundiFreedom of ReligionThe first assertion of freedom of religion was in the 1962 Constitution of the Kingdom of Burundi. Burundi became independent in 1962 from the Belgium administration. Article 13, under Title II, covers freedom of worship. Constitution of Burundi. 1962. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Constitution_du_Burundi_de_1962.pdf
CambodiaFreedom of ReligionThe 1947 Constitution of Cambodia declares Buddhism as the religion of the state. However, It asserts under Article 8 that, “Liberty of conscience is absolute. So is that of worshiping…” but limits this liberty of worship by articulating that it “suffers no other restrictions than those made necessary by the maintenance of Public order.”

Advocatanomy Law Library. Cambodia Constitution 1947. https://advocatetanmoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cambodia-constitution-1947.pdf

CIA World Factbook. Cambodia. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cambodia/#government
CameroonFreedom of ReligionThe 1972 constitution of Cameroon first asserts that Freedom of religion and worship shall be guaranteed in Article 15 of the preamble. In Article 14 the state is declared secular and neutral, also opening the preamble with adherence to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While not specifically mentioned in the 1961 Constitution, it also affirms adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Which covers religious freedom under Article 18.

International Labour Organization. Constitution of Cameroon 1972. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/43107/133753/F868661776/CMR-43107%20(EN).pdf

https://condor.depaul.edu/mdelance/images/Pdfs/Federal%20Constitution%20of%20Cameroon.pdf
CanadaFreedom of ReligionThe Constitution of Canada was ratified on July 1, 1867. Part I B(2) and F(15) grant religious freedoms and protections. Part I pretext claims the supremacy of God. Constitution Project. “Canada 1867 (Rev. 2011) Constitution.” Constitute, POGO, 27 Apr. 2022, https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Canada_2011?lang=en.
Cape VerdeFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion is first asserted in the 1980 Constitution of the Republic of Cabo Verde under Title II, article 48. This article also guarantees freedom from religious discrimination, separation of church and state, freedom of religious instruction, guaranteed religious presence in hospitals, prisons, and armed forces, and the protection of religious places of worship. Constitute Project. Constitution of the Republic of Cabo Verde. 1980. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cape_Verde_1992
Central African RepublicFreedom of Religion{{{contents}}}
ChadFreedom of ReligionThe first assertion of Religious Freedom is covered under the 1996 Constitution of The Republic of Chad, under Title II, Chapter I, Article 27. Article 14 of Title II also guarantees equality without distinction of origin, of race, of sex, of religion, of political opinion or of social position.

Constituteproject. Constitution of the Republic of Chad. 1996. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Chad_2005

U.S. Department of State. Report on International Religious Freedom. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/chad/#:~:text=The%20October%20Transitional%20Charter%20establishes,and%20secularism%20of%20the%20state.”
ChileFreedom of ReligionFreedom of Religion was first covered in the 1925 Constitution of The Republic of Chile under Chapter III, Article 10, Section 2. However, the specification that religion may not be contrary to morality, good usage, and public order, is made in the same assertion.

Constitute Project. 1925 Constitution of the Republic of Chile. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Chile_1925?lang=en

CIA World Factbook. Chile. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/chile/#government
ChinaFreedom of ReligionThe Constitution establishes freedom of religion, but limits it to "normal religious activity" without defining normal. Religious groups are controlled if they are perceived to be a threat by the Communist Party. In recent years, there has been a campaign of religious persecution of the Uighurs in the Xinjiang province (U.S. Department of State, "CHINA (INCLUDES TIBET, XINJIANG, HONG KONG, AND MACAU) 2018 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT").
ColombiaFreedom of Religion{{{contents}}}
ComorosFreedom of ReligionReligious Freedom is not guaranteed in Comoros. The Constitution declares Sunni Islam the religion of the state under Chapter V, Article 97 under the current constitution. However, Under Title I, Chapter I, Article 2, equality is guaranteed regardless of religion.

U.S. Department of State. Report on International Religious Freedom. 2021. Comoros. https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/comoros/

Constitute Project. 2018 Constitution of Comoros. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Comoros_2018
Costa RicaFreedom of Religion{{{contents}}}
CroatiaFreedom of ReligionUnder Title III, Section II, Article 40, Freedom of religion is first asserted in the 1991 Constitution of The Republic of Croatia. Equality regardless of religion is also guaranteed under Article 14. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Croatia's Constitution of 1991 with Amendments through 2001. https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/cro129771.pdf
CubaFreedom of Religion{{{contents}}}
CyprusFreedom of ReligionUnder part II, Article 18, Freedom of Religion was first asserted in the 1960 Constitution of Cyprus. This Constitution was adopted upon independence from the UK in the same year.


International Labour Organization. Constitution of Cyprus 1960. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/47927/136251/F-1750868360/CYP47927_LEG_Constitution%201960.pdf

CIA World Factbook. Cyprus. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cyprus/
Czech RepublicFreedom of ReligionThe first assertion of freedom of religion within the Czech Republic was asserted in the 1960 Constitution of Czechoslovakia under Chapter II, Article 32. However, In the 1992 Constitution of the Czech Republic, freedom of religion is not mentioned. Instead, there is a supplemental document, The Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, under the Constitutional Order of 1992 that covers religious freedom under Article 15.


International Labour Organization. Constitution of the Czech Republic https://www.ilo.org/dyn/travail/docs/1967/Constitution%20of%20the%20Czech%20Republic.pdf

World Statesman. Constitution of Czechoslovakia. 1960. https://www.worldstatesmen.org/Czechoslovakia-Const1960.pdf

CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS. https://www.usoud.cz/fileadmin/user_upload/ustavni_soud_www/Pravni_uprava/AJ/Listina_English_version.pdf
Democratic Republic of the CongoFreedom of ReligionUnder Title II, Article 24, Freedom of religion is affirmed in the 1964 Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, It does state that worship, teaching, practices, and performance of worship should be subject to the respect of public order and good morals.

U.S. Department of State. Report on Religious Freedom. 2022. Democratic Republic of The Congo. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/

Wikisource. Translated 1964 Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Translation:Constitution_of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo_(1964)#Title_II._Fundamental_rights
DenmarkFreedom of Religion{{{contents}}}
DjiboutiFreedom of ReligionDjibouti’s constitution, adopted in 1992, affirms Islam as the state’s religion, though it respects all faiths and protects freedom of religion. The right is guaranteed under Article 11 (Djibouti 1992). Djibouti. 1992 "Djibouti 1992 (rev. 2010)" Constitute Project. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Djibouti_2010
DominicaFreedom of ReligionAfter its independence from the United Kingdom in 1979, the Commonwealth of Dominica adopted its Constitution, which had been written the year prior. Article 9 deals with “Protection of conscience” and protects freedom of religion (Dominica 1978).

Dominica. 1978 “Dominica 1978 (rev. 2014)” Constitute Project

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Dominica_2014
Dominican RepublicFreedom of ReligionAfter the death of Rafael Trujillo in 1961, a dictator who ruled over the Dominican Republic for several years, a new constitution was adopted. The 1963 Constitution protects the right to freedom of religion in Article 57 (“Constitución de la Nacion Dominicana” 1963. 21).

“Constitucion de la Nacion Dominicana” 1963 acnur.org

https://www.acnur.org/fileadmin/Documentos/BDL/2012/8873.pdf
East TimorFreedom of ReligionCreated and ratified in 2002 after the country gained independence from Indonesia, the Constitution of East Timor guarantees its citizens freedom of religion. Two sections grant this right: Sections 1 and 2 under Article 12 and Sections 1 through 4 under Article 45 (Timor-Leste 2002).

Timor-Leste. 2002 “Timor-Leste 2002” Constitute Project

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/East_Timor_2002
EcuadorFreedom of ReligionThe first liberal constitution of Ecuador was adopted in 1897, establishing and protecting freedom of religion in the country for the first time. Article 13 under Section IV states that the state respects all religions and their practice (“Constitución de 1897” 1897).

“Constitución de 1897” 1897. Consitutenet.org

https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/1897.pdf
EgyptFreedom of ReligionThe Royal Decree No. 42 of 1923 On Building a Constitutional System for the Egyptian State guarantees Egyptian citizens equal civil and political rights, regardless of religion, stated in Article 3 (“Royal Decree No. 42 of 1923” 1923). However, it was the Constitution of 1956 that made freedom of belief absolute in the constitution’s bill of rights (“The New Egyptian Constitution” 1956).

The New Egyptian Constitution. (1956). Middle East Journal, 10(3), 300–306. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4322826 “Royal Decree No. 42 of 1923” 1923. Constitutenet.org

https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/1923_-_egyptian_constitution_english_1.pdf
El SalvadorFreedom of ReligionThe Constitution of 1886, more liberal than the previous constitutions of El Salvador, guaranteed freedom of religion to all citizens. This is found under Article 12 under Section II of the constitution (“Constitucion de 1886” 1886. 2).

“Constitucion de 1886” 1886. Jurisprudencia

https://www.jurisprudencia.gob.sv/DocumentosBoveda/D/2/1880-1889/1886/08/886EC.PDF
Equatorial GuineaFreedom of ReligionThe Constitution of 1973 of Equatorial Guinea addresses freedom of religion and belief in Article 35. Though it states that citizens can practice religion within the confines of the law, they are not allowed to use faith or religious beliefs to oppose the principles and purposes of the State (“Constitucion de 1973” 1973). “Constitucion de 1973” 1973. Guinea Ecuatorial
EritreaFreedom of ReligionThe earliest document that assures freedom of religion in Eritrea is Proclamation No. 73/1995 of 1995. It “calls for separation of religion and state; outlines the parameters to which religious organizations must adhere, including concerning foreign relations and social activities; establishes an Office of Religious Affairs; and requires religious groups to register with the government or cease activities” (U.S. Department of State 2019. 3). Though freedom of religion is present in the drafter constitution of Eritrea, it has not been ratified since its introduction in 1997.

U.S. Department of State 2019. “ERITREA 2019 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT”

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ERITREA-2019-INTERNATIONAL-
EstoniaFreedom of ReligionThe first constitution of Estonia, created in 1920, grants Estonian citizens the right to freedom of religion. Paragraph 6 and 11 states that there is freedom of “religion and conscience” and their practice will not be hindered, “provided it does not interfere with public orders and morals” (“Constitution of the Esthonian Republic” 1920). “Constitution of the Esthonian Republic” 1920. Estonian Republic
EswatiniFreedom of ReligionEswatini’s current constitution, created and adopted in 2005, protects the right to freedom of religion for the citizens of the country. Article 23 deals with the protection of freedom of conscience and religion, with Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 ensuring the freedom (Eswatini 2005).

Eswatini 2005. “Eswatini 2005” Constitute Project

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Swaziland_2005
EthiopiaFreedom of ReligionThe 1955 Constitution of Ethiopia ensures the right to freedom of worship to its citizens in Article 40. The section states that “there shall be no interference with the exercise, in accordance with the law, of the rites of any religion or creed by residents of the Empire, provided that such rites are not utilized for political purposes or prejudicial to public order or morality” (“1955 Revised Constitution of Ethiopia” 1955). However, it is the 1994 Constitution that explicitly states that citizens in Ethiopia have the full legal right to freedom of religion (Ethiopia 1994).

Ethiopia 1994. “Ethiopia 1994” Constitutenet.org https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Ethiopia_1994 “1955 Revised Constitution of Ethiopia” 1955. Chilot.me

https://chilot.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/1955-revised-constitution-of-ethiopia1.pdf
Federated States of MicronesiaFreedom of ReligionThe Micronesian Constitution of 1978 was the first document to protect freedom of religion in the country’s independent history. Article IV, Section 2 specifically outlines this right.


“Micronesia (Federative States of) 1978 (rev. 1990).” Constitute. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Micronesia_1990
FijiFreedom of ReligionSince the country’s independence in 1970, freedom of religion has been protected in Fiji. The Fiji Independence Order of 1970 and the 1970 Constitution of Fiji guarantee the right under section 11 (“Fiji Independence Order 1970 and Constitution of Fiji” 1970).

“Fiji Independence Order 1970 and Constitution of Fiji” 1970. Constitutenet.org

https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/1970_constitution.pdf
FinlandFreedom of ReligionThe Finnish Constitution Act of 1919 stipulated that “a Finnish citizen has the right to practice religion publicly and privately, provided that the law and good practices are not violated, as well as, as separately provided thereon, the freedom to renounce the religious community to which he belongs and the freedom to join another religious community.” This assurance is found under Section 8 and applies to all citizens of Finland (“Constitution Act” 1919). “Constitution Act” 1919 Finland
FranceFreedom of ReligionThe earliest documentation of freedom of religion in France is the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in 1798 (Britannica, "Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen," Article 10). The Law of Secularism, passed in 1905, establishes the separation of church and state, but favors traditionally "French" religions such as Catholicism, at the expense of others, like Islam (U.S. Department of State, "FRANCE 2018 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT").
GabonFreedom of ReligionGabon’s Constitution of November 14, 1960, granted its citizens the right to freedom of religion in its texts. The second point of the First Article establishes freedom of religion and conscience to all (“Constitution du 14 novembre 1960” 1960).

“Constitution du 14 novembre 1960” 1960. Digithèque MJP

https://mjp.univ-perp.fr/constit/ga1960.htm
GeorgiaFreedom of ReligionBefore falling under the influence of the Soviet Union and becoming a soviet socialist republic, the short-lived, first modern establishment of the republic of Georgia (The Democratic Republic of Georgia) adopted a constitution that only lasted four days. This constitution, ratified in 1921, granted its citizens the right to freedom of religion under Article 31 (“Constitution of Georgia, 1921” 1921). After Georgia gained independence from the Soviet Union, the country adopted a new constitution in 1993 that also protected freedom of religion under Article 16 (Georgia 1995)

“Constitution of Georgia, 1921” 1921 მატიანე https://matiane.wordpress.com/2012/09/04/constitution-of-georgia-1921/ Georgia 1995 “Georgia 1995 (rev. 2018)” Constitute Project

https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Georgia_2018
GermanyFreedom of Religion{{{contents}}}
GhanaFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion is protected in the Ghanian constitution under Article 21 Section 1.c which states that “[a]ll persons shall have the right to… freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice…” (constituteproject.org). “Ghana 1992 (Rev. 1996) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Ghana_1996.
GreeceFreedom of ReligionPart 1 Section II Article 3.1-2 of Greece’s constitution establishes “[t]he prevailing religion in Greece is that of the Eastern Orthodox Church of Christ…” and that “the ecclesiastical regime existing in certain districts of the State shall not be deemed contrary to the provisions of the preceding paragraph” (constituteproject.org). While Part 2 Article 13.1-2 states that “Freedom of religious conscience is inviolable. The enjoyment of civil rights and liberties does not depend on the individual's religious beliefs. All known religions shall be free and their rites of worship shall be performed unhindered and under the protection of the law. The practice of rites of worship is not allowed to offend public order or the good usages. Proselytism is prohibited” (constituteproject.org). “Greece 1975 (Rev. 2008) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008.
GrenadaFreedom of ReligionChapter I Article 9.1-6 establishes freedom of religion and conscience for the individual, the community, and society in Grenada. It states “[e]xcept with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of conscience, including freedom of thought and of religion, freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance” (constituteproject.org). “Grenada 1973 (Reinst. 1991, Rev. 1992) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Grenada_1992.
GuatemalaFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion is protected under Article 36 of the Guatemalan constitution: “The exercise of all the religions is free. Any person has the right to practice his [or her] religion or belief, in public and in private, through teaching, cult and observance, without other limits than the public order and the due respect for the dignity of the hierarchy and the faithful [followers] of [the] other beliefs [credos]” (constituteproject.org). “Guatemala 1985 (Rev. 1993) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.
GuineaFreedom of ReligionArticle 14 of Guinea’s constitution establishes that “the free exercise of worship [culte] is guaranteed, under reserve of the respect for the law and the public order. The religious institutions and communities are created and administered freely” (constituteproject.org). “Guinea 2010 Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guinea_2010.
Guinea-BissauFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion is protected in Guinea-Bissau under Article 52 Sections 1-3 of the constitution which establishes that “1. Freedom of conscience and of religion is inviolable. 2. All are assured the liberty of worship, which in no manner may violate the fundamental principles established by this Constitution. 3. The freedom to teach any religion under its denomination is guaranteed” (constituteproject.org). “Guinea-Bissau 1984 (Rev. 1996) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guinea_Bissau_1996.
GuyanaFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion is protected in Guyana’s constitution under Article 145 Sections 1-6. Section 1 states that “[e]xcept with his or her own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of conscience, and for the purposes of this article the said freedom includes freedom of thought and of religion, freedom to change his or her religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his or her religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance” (constituteproject.org). “Guyana 1980 (Rev. 2016) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guyana_2016.
HaitiFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion is protected under Section D Article 30 of the Haitian constitution. It states that “[a]ll religions and faiths shall be freely exercised. Everyone is entitled to profess his religion and practice his faith, provided the exercise of that right does not disturb law and order” (constituteproject.org). “Haiti 1987 (Rev. 2012) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Haiti_2012.
HondurasFreedom of ReligionThe constitution of Honduras protects freedom of religion under Article 77 which states: “The free exercise of all religions and cults is guaranteed without preference to one, provided they do not violate the law and public order. Ministers of the various religions may not hold public office or engage in any form of political propaganda, invoking religious motives or, as a means to such end, thus taking advantage of the religious beliefs of the people” (constituteproject.org). “Honduras 1982 (Rev. 2013) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Honduras_2013.
HungaryFreedom of ReligionIn Article XV, The Hungarian constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, while Article VII protects freedom of religion, stating that “[e]veryone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include the freedom to choose or change one's religion or other belief, and the freedom of everyone to manifest, abstain from manifesting, practise or teach his or her religion or other belief through religious acts, rites or otherwise, either individually or jointly with others, either in public or in private life” (constituteproject.org). “Hungary 2011 (Rev. 2016) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Hungary_2016.
IcelandFreedom of ReligionThe state religion and freedom of religion are stated in Section VI Articles 62 and 63 of Iceland’s constitution. Article 62 establishes that “the Evangelical Lutheran Church shall be the State Church in Iceland and, as such, it shall be supported and protected by the State. This may be amended by law” while Article 63 states that “all persons have the right to form religious associations and to practice their religion in conformity with their individual convictions. Nothing may however be preached or practised which is prejudicial to good morals or public order” (constituteproject.org). “Iceland 1944 (Rev. 2013) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iceland_2013.
IndiaFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion is protected under Article 25 Section 1 which states that “[s]ubject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this Part, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion” (constituteproject.org). Freedom of religion is not allowed to operate freely, as “ten of 28 states have laws restricting religious conversions. Four state governments have laws imposing penalties against so-called forced religious conversions for the purpose of marriage…” (state.gov).

“India - United States Department of State.” U.S. Department of State, June 10, 2022. https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/india/.

“India 1949 (Rev. 2016) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/India_2016.
IndonesiaFreedom of ReligionArticle 28E Sections 1 and 2 establish personal freedoms in the Indonesian constitution: “Every person shall be free to choose and to practice the religion of his/her choice… Every person shall have the right to the freedom to believe his/her faith (kepercayaan), and to express his/her views and thoughts, in accordance with his/her conscience” (constituteproject.org). But it “states citizens must accept restrictions established by law to protect the rights of others… to satisfy ‘just demands based upon considerations of morality, religious values, security, and public order in a democratic society’” (state.gov).

“Indonesia - United States Department of State.” U.S. Department of State, June 2, 2022. https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/indonesia/.

“Indonesia 1945 (Reinst. 1959, Rev. 2002) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Indonesia_2002.
IranFreedom of ReligionArticles 12 and 13 establish religious freedoms and restrictions in Iran. Article 12 states that “the official religion of Iran is Islam and the Twelver Ja'farî school [in usul al-Dîn and fiqh], and this principle will remain eternally immutable… These schools enjoy official status in matters pertaining to… affairs of personal status (marriage, divorce, inheritance, and wills) and related litigation in courts of law” while Article 13 provides for freedom of other religious minorities “Zoroastrian, Jewish, and Christian Iranians are the only recognized religious minorities, who, within the limits of the law, are free to perform their religious rites and ceremonies, and to act according to their own canon in matters of personal affairs and religious education” (constituteproject.org). “Iran (Islamic Republic of) 1979 (Rev. 1989) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989.
IraqFreedom of ReligionFreedom and restrictions to religion are enumerated in the First and Second Points of Article 2 of the Iraqi constitution. Article 2 First Point establishes “Islam [as] the official religion of the State and is a foundation source of legislation. No law may be enacted that contradicts the established provisions of Islam…” while the Second Point states that “[t]his Constitution guarantees the Islamic identity of the majority of the Iraqi people and guarantees the full religious rights to freedom of religious belief and practice of all individuals such as Christians, Yazidis, and Mandean Sabeans” (constituteproject.org). “Iraq 2005 Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iraq_2005.
IsraelFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion is established in the 1992 Basic Law Human Dignity and Liberty. This law describes Israel as a “Jewish and democratic state”, but also “references the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel, which protects freedom to practice or not practice religious beliefs, including freedom of conscience, faith, religion, and worship, regardless of an individual’s religion” (state.gov). Additionally, “the law recognizes only Judaism, Christianity, Islam, the Druze faith, and the Baha’i Faith” (state.gov). Israel, West Bank and Gaza - United States Department of State. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/israel-west-bank-and-gaza/.
ItalyFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion is protected under Article 8 of the Italian Constitution which states: “All religious denominations are equally free before the law” but stipulates that “Denominations other than Catholicism have the right to self-organisation according to their own statutes, provided these do not conflict with Italian law” (constituteproject.org). “Italy 1947 (Rev. 2020) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2020.
Ivory CoastFreedom of ReligionWhile the constitution of Côte d’Ivoire does not protect freedom of religion per se, it does prohibit discrimination based on religious grounds in Article 4: “All Ivoirians are born and remain free and equal in rights. No one may be privileged or discriminated against by… their religion or belief…” (constituteproject.org). “Côte d’Ivoire 2016 Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cote_DIvoire_2016.
JamaicaFreedom of ReligionThe Jamaican Order in Council was ratified in 1962. Articles 13, 14(a), and 17 grant religious freedom, equality, and prohibit religious discrimination. Jamaican Legislature. “The Jamaica (Constitution) Order in Council 1962 .” Jamaican Informational Service . Jamaican Informational Service , 2017. Last modified 2017. Accessed June 16, 2022. https://jis.gov.jm/media/Ja-Constitution-Order-in-Council-1962-full.pdf.
JapanFreedom of ReligionThe Constitution guarantees freedom of religion (Sumimoto, "RELIGIOUS FREEDOM PROBLEMS IN JAPAN: BACKGROUND AND CURRENT PROSPECTS").
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Kingdom of the NetherlandsFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion is currently protected in the Netherlands under Article 6 Section 1 of the 1814 constitution. It states “[e]veryone shall have the right to profess freely his religion or belief, either individually or in community with others, without prejudice to his responsibility under the law” (constituteproject.org). “Netherlands 1814 (Rev. 2008) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Netherlands_2008.
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LiberiaFreedom of ReligionThe Liberian Constitution of 1847 is the first document in the country’s history to assert freedom of Religion. Article 3 of the document specifically outlines this right.


“Constitutional Convention of 1847.” Government of Liberia. Accessed June 25, 2023. http://crc.gov.lr/doc/CONSTITUTION%20OF%201847%20final.pdf
LibyaFreedom of ReligionArticle 21 of Libya’s 1951 Constitution contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the state’s independent history. However, Libya has gone through significant changes in government since the founding of this document, and under the current regime the right is protected in Article 1 of the Libyan Constitution of 2011.


“Constitution of 1951.” DCAF Libya. Accessed July 25, 2023. https://security-legislation.ly/en/law/31474

“Libya’s Constitution of 2011.” Constitute. Accessed July 25, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Libya_2011.pdf
LiechtensteinFreedom of ReligionLiechtenstein’s 1862 Constitution is the first document in the country’s history to assert freedom of religion. Article 8 of the document specifically defines this right, stating that “freedom of the person and of external worship are guaranteed.”


“Constitution of 26 September 1862.” World Constitutions Illustrated, Heinonline. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.cow/zzli0005&i=2
LithuaniaFreedom of ReligionThe first assertion of freedom of religion in Lithuania’s post-Soviet history is contained in the country’s 1992 Constitution. Article 26 specifically defines this right.


“Lithuania 1992 (rev. 2006).” Constitute. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Lithuania_2006
LuxembourgFreedom of ReligionLuxembourg’s Constitution of 1848 was the first document to guarantee freedom of religion in the country’s independent history. Article 20 specifically outlines this right.


“Mémorial Législatif et Administratif du Grande-Duché de Luxembourg.” Strada Lex Luxembourg. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://www.stradalex.lu/fr/slu_src_publ_leg_mema/toc/leg_lu_mema_184807_52/doc/mema_1848A0389A
MadagascarFreedom of ReligionArticle 39 of Madagascar’s 1975 Constitution contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s independent history. However, the preamble of the country’s 1959 Constitution does protect freedom of speech, assembly, and association which may have helped protect freedom of religion to an extent.


“Constitution de la République démocratique malgache.” Digithèque MJP. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://mjp.univ-perp.fr/constit/mg1975.htm#2

“Constitution of the Malagasy Republic.” World Constitutions Illustrated, Heinonline. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.cow/zzmg0017&i=2
MalawiFreedom of ReligionThe first assertion of freedom of religion in Malawi’s independent history is contained in the country’s 1964 Constitution. Article 19(1) specifically defines this right.


“Constitution of Malawi.” Citizenship Rights Africa. Accessed July 26, 2023. http://citizenshiprightsafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Malawi-Constitution-1964.pdf
MalaysiaFreedom of ReligionArticle 11 of Malaysia’s 1957 contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s independent history. However, the article’s 5th clause stipulates that “in respect of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.”


“Malaysia 1957 (rev. 2007).” Constitute. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Malaysia_2007
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MaliFreedom of ReligionArticle 4 of Mali’s Fundamental Law No. 1 (1991) contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in Mali’s independent history. This was followed up by a 1992 Constitution which also protected the right.


“Acte Fondamental No. 1/C.T.S.P.” World Constitutions Illustrated. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.cow/zzml0008&i=3

“Mali 1992.” Constitute. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mali_1992
MaltaFreedom of ReligionArticle 40(1) of Malta’s 1964 Constitution contains the first guarantee of freedom of religion in the country’s independent history. Meanwhile, Article 2 states that the country’s official faith is the Roman Catholic Apolistic Religion.


“Malta 1964 (rev. 2016).” Constitute. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Malta_2016
Marshall IslandsFreedom of ReligionThe Marshall Islands’ Constitution of 1979 contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s independent history. Section 1 specifically outlines this right.


“The Constitution of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.” Republic of the Marshall Islands Parliament. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://rmiparliament.org/cms/constitution.html
MauritaniaFreedom of ReligionArticle 2 of Mauritania’s 1959 Constitution contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s independent history. The document also states that “the religion of the Mauritanian people is the Muslim religion.”


“Islamic Republic of Mauritania Constitution of 22 March 1959.” World Constitutions Illustrated, Heinonline. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.cow/zzmr0017&i=3
MauritiusFreedom of ReligionThe 1968 constitution of Mauritius was the first notable protection of freedom of expression in the country.

“Mauritius 1968 (Rev. 2016) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed November 13, 2022. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mauritius_2016?lang=en.


The first assertion of freedom of religion in Mauritius’s history is contained in the country’s 1968 Constitution. Article 11 specifically outlines the right.


“Mauritius 1968 (rev. 2016).” Constitute. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mauritius_2016
MexicoFreedom of ReligionThe Political Constitution of the Mexican United States was ratified on 5 February 1917. Articles 1, 3.2(c), 24, 27.2, 130(b-d) grant religious freedom, equality, and prohibit religious discrimination. Article 130 declares a separation of church and state; and that religious minister cannot promote candidate, nor attack national symbols. Constituent Congress of 1917. “Koxtitusion Poríitika Mejikopo Nesaweme Constitución ... - Senado.gob.mx.” Senate of the Republic. Mexican Government, 2005. Last modified 2005. Accessed June 21, 2022. https://www.senado.gob.mx/comisiones/puntos_constitucionales/docs/CPM_INGLES.pdf.


Article 24 of Mexico’s 1917 Constitution, which is still in use today, contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s post-revolutionary history. However, prior to the 1910 Revolution, the first amendment to the country’s 1859 Constitution (also known as the Law of September 25, 1873) did state that the legislature should not adopt any law that established or forbid a religion.


“Constitution.” World Constitutions Illustrated, Heinonline. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.cow/zzmx0010&i=1

“Mexico 1917 (rev. 2015).” Constitute. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mexico_2015
MoldovaFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion was first asserted in Moldova’s 1994 Constitution. Article 31 specifically lays out this right.


“Constitution of the Republic of Moldova.” Constitutional Court of Moldova. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://www.constcourt.md/public/files/file/Actele%20Curtii/acte_en/MDA_Constitution_EN.pdf
MonacoFreedom of ReligionArticle 10 of Monaco’s 1911 Constitution contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s history. The document was then heavily revised in 1962 and remains in use to this day.


“Constitution of Monaco.” World Constitutions Illustrated. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.beal/connat0002&i=474
MongoliaFreedom of ReligionArticle 15 of Mongolia’s 1992 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. However, when the country was known as the Mongolian People’s Republic, the right was first enshrined in its 1940 Constitution.


“Constitution of the Mongol People’s Republic.” World Constitutions Illustrated, Heinonline. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.cow/cososnat0002&i=735

“Mongolia 1992 (rev. 2001).” Constitute. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mongolia_2001
MontenegroFreedom of ReligionMontenegro’s Constitution of 2007 contains the first assertion of freedom of religion in the country’s history. Article 46 specifically describes the right, which is also alluded to in Article 14.


“Montenegro 2007.” Constitute. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Montenegro_2007
MoroccoFreedom of ReligionFreedom of religion is protected in Morocco in tandem with the establishment of a state religion. Article 6 of the first Moroccan constitution of 1962 determines that Islam is the religion of the state while also protecting “the free exercise of beliefs [cultes]” for all (Hein Online). This right is still protected today under Article 3 of the current constitution (constituteproject.org).

"Fundamental Principles." Constitution of Morocco, pp. 562-563. HeinOnline, https://heinonline-org.uc.idm.oclc.org/HOL/P?h=hein.cow/zzma0011&i=1.

“Morocco 2011 Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed July 26, 2023. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Morocco_2011.
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