The constitution and other laws and policies generally protect religious freedom. The constitution grants all residents the right “to profess their faith freely.” The law provides the legal framework for religious freedom.
By law, the government “sustains the apostolic Roman Catholic faith” and provides tax-exempt subsidies to the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church receives institutional privileges such as school subsidies, significant autonomy for parochial schools, and licensing preferences for radio frequencies.
The law requires that non-Catholic religious groups register with the Secretariat of Worship as civic (rather than religious) associations and report periodically to maintain their status. To register, the Secretariat of Worship requires religious groups to have a place of worship, an organizational charter, and an ordained clergy. Registration is not required for private religious services, such as those in homes but is necessary for public activities. Registration is also necessary to receive tax-exempt status and to allow foreign missionaries to apply for visas.
Foreign missionaries of registered religious groups need to apply to the Secretariat of Worship, which in turn notifies immigration authorities to request the issuance of the appropriate documents.
Public education is secular; however, students may request instruction in the religion of their choice, which may be conducted in school or at a religious institution. Many churches, synagogues, and mosques operate private schools.
The National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism (INADI), a government agency under the jurisdiction of the Justice Ministry and whose board includes representatives of the major religious groups, investigates suspected incidents of discrimination based on religion. The agency also supports victims of religious discrimination and promotes proactive measures to prevent discrimination.
The government is a member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.