ZAGREB, June 11 (Hina) - The parliamentary Committee on Legislation on Tuesday discussed the final bill on the legal status of religious communities. As members had opposing views, the committee will subsequently draw up amendments to
the bill.
ZAGREB, June 11 (Hina) - The parliamentary Committee on Legislation
on Tuesday discussed the final bill on the legal status of religious
communities. As members had opposing views, the committee will
subsequently draw up amendments to the bill. #L#
Jadranka Kosor of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) said that
some improvements had been made to the initial version of the bill,
however, they were insignificant.
She opposed the proposal that 50 believers can set up a religious
community, warning that the number was too small. The proposal as it
is could allow anyone to set up any sort of association, even such
that has no respect for civilisation and offends people of other
religious beliefs, she said.
Josip Leko of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) said that exemption
from VAT should apply only to buildings used for religious
purposes.
Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) MP Ljubica Lalic said that
numerous charity institutions that were part of religious
communities should also be exempt from VAT.
The final bill also envisages that religious instructions be made
available in kindergartens whereas in primary and secondary
schools they would be considered an optional subject.
The bill also regulates possible funding from the state budget.
(hina) sp rml