Freedom of conscience through the prism of freedom of religion in the Russian Federation: doctrine, legislation, law enforcement practice

The author, on the basis of the universal dialectical, general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, the general legal method of comparative jurisprudence, as well as the formal legal method, actualizes the problem of freedom of conscience in the context of freedom of religion on the basis of the modern political and legal doctrine, existing law-making acts of a general federal nature, as well as the practice of law enforcement of legislation on freedom of conscience and freedom of religion. The definition of freedom of conscience is defined as the human right to profess and disseminate in society those beliefs that are acceptable to him, as well as to act in accordance with his convictions, with the exception of the dissemination of views that can create an atmosphere of hostility and hatred in society, and taking actions in accordance with such views, justifies the inclusion of freedom of religion in the structure of freedom of conscience, with references to acts of international law and the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the relationship between freedom of conscience and freedom of religion, the content of powers and the limits of rights is revealed. Describing the current state of the institution of freedom of religion in the Russian Federation, the author speaks of specific powers - freedom of religious education, freedom of creation and operation of religious associations, secrets of confession, and also reveals in detail the problem of deliberately insulting the religious feelings of citizens with references to judicial practice. In the conclusion of the article, it is concluded that the delimitation of freedom is inadmissible religion from other components of freedom of conscience, which can create a chasm between believers, non-believers and non-religious citizens, as well as the need for peaceful coexistence and civilized exchange of views between believers of different denominations, non-believers and non-religious citizens.

constitutionalism, freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, religious associations, church, «feelings» of believers, secularization, rule of law