Administrative responsibility for offenses in the religious sphere

Abstract

The relevance of the research topic is determined by the influence that religion possesses on the life of modern society. Religious beliefs often serve as the basis for forming moral and ethical norms, providing people with a system of values and rules of behavior oriented towards spiritual growth. However, they can also be the cause of disagreements, disputes, and conflicts among individuals, leading to violations of laws, rights, and freedoms of individuals and citizens. Currently, Kazakhstan has established the necessary legal framework for regulating the relations between the state and religious associations. Norms of administrative and criminal liability for violations of legislation on these matters are provided. However, processes occurring in Kazakhstani society indicate an increase in violations in the religious sphere, caused by the influence of destructive religious movements, as well as the growth of poverty among the population. In this regard, the state must apply necessary legislative and organizational-preventive measures to prevent violations, both from religious associations and individual believers, as well as individuals engaged in missionary activities, and from the state itself in terms of ensuring freedom of religion for individuals. The aim of this article is to analyze the novelties proposed in the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Administrative Offenses" and provide their legal assessment. During the research, foreign experience in legal regulation of responsibility for committing administrative offenses has been studied, and a comparative analysis has been conducted with Kazakhstan's legislation and existing law enforcement practices. Based on this analysis, recommendations have been developed to improve the administrative offense legislation of the Republic.