SEARCH DATABASE
The Global Gender Equality Constitutional Database is a repository of gender equality related provisions in 194 constitutions from around the world. The Database was updated in partnership with the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Government of Japan. Experience its wealth and depth of information by starting your search now.
Religious Law
- English…
(3) Religion and the State are separate, which means—
(a) the State and all persons holding public office must treat all religions equally;
(b) the State and all persons holding public office must not dictate any religious belief;
(c) the State and all persons holding public office must not prefer or advance, by any means, any particular religion, religious denomination, religious belief, or religious practice over another, or over any non-religious belief; and
(d) no person shall assert any religious belief as a legal reason to disregard this Constitution or any other law. (Sec. 4) - iTaukei…
(3) E sega ni okati vata na lotu kei na Matanitu, e kena ibalebale ya ni—
(a) na Matanitu kei ira na vakailesilesi ni valenivolavola ni lewenivanua e dodonu mera rokova na veimatalotu kece;
(b) na Matanitu kei ira na kena vakailesilesi ni valenivolavola ni lewenivanua mera kua ni vakatulewataka e dua na vakabauta vakalotu;
(c) na Matanitu kei ira na kena vakailesilesi ni valenivolavola ni lewenivanua mera kua ni totaka e dua na matalotu, isoqosoqo lotu, se mata vakabauta, oka tale ga kina na vakabauta sega ni yavutaki vakalotu; ka
(d) me kua ni dua na tamata me vakayagataka na nona vakabauta vakalotu me vakacala vakalawa na Yavunivakavulewa qo se dua tale na lawa tabaki. (Sec. 4)
Religious Law
- EnglishThe Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth. (Sec. 116)
Religious Law
- EnglishWE the people of Vanuatu, …
HEREBY proclaim the establishment of the united and free Republic of Vanuatu founded on traditional Melanesian values, faith in God, and Christian principles,
… (Preamble) - FrenchNOUS, Peuple de Vanuatu, …
PROCLAMONS la création de la République libre et unie de Vanuatu, fondée sur les valeurs traditionnelles mélanésiennes, la foi en Dieu et les principes chrétiens.
… (Préambule)
Religious Law
- EnglishNo law may be passed respecting an establishment of religion
… (Art. IV, Sec. 2)
Customary Law
- English...
(2) Except in relation to any act that is done under a valid law which accords with traditional standards, values and practices, any act that is done under a valid law but that in the particular case —
(a) is harsh or oppressive; or
(b) is not reasonable in the circumstances; or
(c) is otherwise not reasonably justifiable in a democratic society having a proper respect for human rights and dignity, is an unlawful act.
(3) The burden of showing that subsection (2) applies in respect of an act is on the party claiming that it does apply.
(4) Nothing in this section affects the operation of any other law under which an act may be held to be unlawful. (Sec. 12)
Customary Law
- English…
(3) Customary Law shall continue to have effect as part of the law of the Republic of Vanuatu. (Art. 95) - French…
3) Les règles coutumières continuent à produire tous leurs effets au sein du système juridique de la République de Vanuatu. (Art. 95)
Customary Law
- EnglishNothing in this Part invalidates an emergency law as defined in Part X (emergency powers), but nevertheless so far as is consistent with their purposes and terms all such laws shall be interpreted and applied so as not to affect or derogate a right or freedom referred to in this Division to an extent that is more than is reasonably necessary to deal with the emergency concerned and matters arising out of it, but only so far as is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society having a proper regard for the rights and dignity of mankind. (Sec. 40)
Customary Law
- English
…
(2) Under this Constitution every person has the following fundamental duties and responsibilities to themselves, their dependents, and others –
(a) to respect society, communities, islands, leaders, and cultural practices and norms; to know their duties and roles in society despite different religious beliefs and practices,
...
(c) in the case of parents, to care for and not neglect their children, and to teach children to uphold their duties, Tuvaluan ways of life, and Christian principles;
...
(f) in the case of religious leaders, to respect Island Community customs and traditions, ...
(g) In the case of leaders, to respect Island Community customs and traditions;
... (Sec. 43)
Customary Law
- English(1) In the exercise of its legislative functions, it shall be the responsibility of the Nitijela, whenever and to the extent considered appropriate, to declare, by Act, the customary law in the Republic of the Marshall Islands or in any part thereof. The customary law so declared may include any provisions which, in the opinion of the Nitijela, are necessary or desirable to supplement the established rules of customary law or to take account of any traditional practice.
(2) This Section shall not be construed to authorize the making of any law that would defeat an otherwise valid claim under Article II.
(3) The Nitijela shall not proceed further than the first reading of any Bill or amendment to a Bill which, in the opinion of the Speaker, makes provision for any declaration pursuant to paragraph (1) of this Section unless a joint committee of the Council of Iroij and the Nitijela has been afforded a reasonable opportunity to make a report on the matters dealt within that Bill or amendment, and any such report has been published. (Art. X, Sec. 2)
Customary Law
- English(1) Every person has the right to freedom of conscience, thought and religion and the practice of his religion and beliefs, including freedom to manifest and propagate his religion and beliefs in such a way as not to interfere with the freedom of others, except to the extent that the exercise of that right is regulated or restricted by a law that complies with Section 38 (general qualifications on qualified rights).
…
(5) A reference in this section to religion includes a reference to the traditional religious beliefs and customs of the peoples of Papua New Guinea. (Sec. 45)