In Vietnam, is it permissible to force a wife to follow her husband' religion?
In Vietnam, Is it permissible to force a wife to follow her husband' religion? In Vietnam, what are the punishments for infringement upon the freedom of religion? My husband and I have only been married for one month. He is a religious. A few weeks ago, he invited me to church to perform a religious ritual but I declined. Can my husband has the right to force me to practice his religion?
In Vietnam, is it permissible to force a wife to follow her husband' religion?
Pursuant to Article 5 in the Law on Religion and Folk Belief 2016 stipulating prohibitions:
1. Discriminate or differentiate on the pretext of religion or folk belief.
2. Coerce, entice or obstruct people to or not to practice a religion or folk belief.
3. Insult a religion or folk belief.
4. Practices of folk beliefs or religious activities:
a) That encroach on national security, national defense, national sovereignty, social order and safety, environment;
b) That violate social ethics or people's body, health, life, assets or dignity;
c) That obstruct the exercise of a citizen’s rights and obligations;
d) That sow divisions among the people or religions; between practicing and non-practicing people; and among the followers of different folk beliefs or religions.
5. Abuse the practice of folk beliefs or religious activities for profiteering.
Pursuant to applicable laws, in your case, the husband cannot force his wife to follow his religion, this is a violation of the law.
In Vietnam, what are the punishments for infringement upon the freedom of religion?
1. Pursuant to article 164 in the 2015 Penal Code stipulating infringement upon the freedom of religion
Any person who uses violence, threatens to use violence or otherwise obstructs a person from exercising his/her freedom of religion or forces another person to follow or not to follow a specific religion despite the fact that he/she has incurred disciplinary or administrative penalty for the same offence shall face a penalty of up to 01 year's community sentence or 03 - 12 months' imprisonment.
2. This offence committed in any of the following circumstances carries a penalty of 01 - 03 years' imprisonment:
a) The offence is committed by an organized group;
b) The offence involves abuse of the offender's her position or power;
c) The offence has been committed more than once;
d) The offence results in a demonstration;
dd) The offence has a negative impact on social safety, order and security.
3. The offender might be prohibited from holding certain positions, practicing his/her profession or doing certain jobs for 01 - 05 years.
Best regards!
