Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
Freedom of religion, belief and opinion
- Jurisdiction
- South Africa
- Provision
- 15
- Source language
- English
- Recorded status
- in force
More details
- Recorded status
- in force
Provision text
Official source(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and
opinion.
(2) Religious observances may be conducted at state or state-aided institutions,
provided that—
(a) those observances follow rules made by the appropriate public authorities;
(b) they are conducted on an equitable basis; and
(c) attendance at them is free and voluntary.
(3) (a) This section does not prevent legislation recognising—
(i) marriages concluded under any tradition, or a system of
religious, personal or family law; or
(ii) systems of personal and family law under any tradition, or adhered to by
persons professing a particular religion.
(b) Recognition in terms of paragraph (a) must be consistent with this section and
the other provisions of the Constitution.
Source record
Source and verification
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 · justice.gov.za · Retrieved 17 August 2026.
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