The Legal Framework for Protecting the Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion in Romania as a Member State of the European Union

Abstract

The freedom of thought, conscience and religion constitutes nowadays a basic right of individuals for determining their perception of human life and society, which is why it represents a necessary requirement for all democratic societies. Taking into account that violations of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion may exacerbate intolerance and often constitute early indicators of potential violence and conflicts, the aim of this study is to raise public awareness on the fact that this freedom is a fundamental right of every human being, a right that needs to be protected everywhere and for everyone. For this purpose, the analysis is focused, in a first stage, on clarifying the essential features of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion so that, in a second stage, to be presented the European and Romanian legal frameworks for protection of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. As a novelty, this study attempts to outline how it is implemented the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion in Romania, highlighting achievements, but without trying to avoid weaknesses and the less pleasant aspects as it shown in US Department of State’s report.