Religious freedom during the coronavirus pandemic: An assessment of the Polish legal solutions

ABSTRACT

The threat posed by the spread of coronavirus in Poland resulted in the introduction of the state of epidemic emergency for the whole country in March 2020, subsequently followed by the state of epidemic. The competent state authorities have introduced numerous limitations on individual human rights and freedoms, including limitations on the freedom to manifest religion. The Polish legislator laid down the principles for permissible limitations on this freedom in Articles 31(3) and 53(5) of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. In accordance with the constitutional provisions, such limitations may only be introduced by statutory acts and in situations when they are necessary in a democratic society for the protection of specially protected goods. They must be proportionate so as not to impair the very essence of the right being limited. The introduced limitations on participating in and performing religious worship raise doubts as to their legality and constitutionality. The epidemic threat justifies taking action by competent state authorities to ensure safety. However, state authorities should act on the basis and within the limits of the law. The constitutional provisions do not leave any room for discretion as regards the possibility of introducing limitations on human rights and freedoms, including the right to freedom of religion. © 2021, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. All rights reserved.