Russian lawmakers to reconsider religious rights bill

Russian lawmakers will take into consideration the government's proposals concerning a bill protecting rights of believers. In its statement published today the Russian government said that the bill should be improved.

For instance, several provisions of the bill double the criminal code, the government's statement said.

The bill suggested to protect religious right has caused immediate criticism. Russian human rights advocates and public figures slammed the bill as violating freedom of speech and secular character of the Russian state.

The presidential council for human rights has expressed its special concern about the initiative.