Legislative proposal submitted to grant cemevis status as places of worship

A legislative proposal has been submitted to grant cemevis the status of places of worship, which is one of the most significant demands of the millions of Alevis living in Turkey.

The justification for the proposal, submitted by CHP Tekirdağ Deputy Cem Avşar, included the following statements:

“Article 2 of the Constitution, which contains provisions that cannot be amended or proposed for amendment, defines the state as a secular and social state of law. Article 10, titled 'Equality before the law,' states: 'Everyone is equal before the law without distinction as to language, race, color, sex, political opinion, philosophical belief, religion, sect, or any such grounds.' Article 24 guarantees freedom of religion and conscience with the provision: 'Everyone has the freedom of conscience, religious belief, and conviction.'

In this context, as a requirement of social consensus and pluralistic democracy, meeting the demands for freedom of belief and equal citizenship of the Alevi community, which constitutes a significant portion of Turkey, is an undeniable Constitutional right. Furthermore, the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) recognizing the nature of cemevis as places of worship clearly demonstrate the state's obligation to approach all faith communities equally. The peaceful, democratic, and egalitarian demands that Alevis have voiced for years make it imperative to take concrete steps to strengthen social peace and end discrimination in public services.

“MANY CEMEVIS ARE EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES”

“Hundreds of cemevis serving in almost every part of Turkey are experiencing many difficulties regarding zoning issues and basic expenses, and are unable to receive the necessary support because they are not defined as official places of worship before the law. In this regard, the definition of the term 'place of worship' in current legislation should be clarified, and which places constitute a 'place of worship' should be explicitly regulated. This regulation should be extended to all definitions of 'place of worship' found in other laws. Thus, the state's constitutional responsibility to approach all faiths and sects with equal distance will be ensured.”

 If the legislative proposal is enacted, cemevis will transition to the status of places of worship and will benefit from the support provided to other places of worship.

News Source: 12punto