Protecting Religious Freedom in Russia

As you may know, I am preparing to deliver oral arguments on November 12, 2008 before the Supreme Court of the United States in Pleasant Grove City v. Summum (No. 07-665), a key First Amendment speech case that could affect local governments across the country. We represent Pleasant Grove City, Utah in an appeal of a decision that would have forced cities to either dismantle a host of monuments, memorials, and other displays, including long-standing patriotic and historical displays, or else let all comers install privately owned monuments or displays, regardless of content.

At the same time, our Slavic Center for Law and Justice (SCLJ) continues to work for greater religious freedom in Russia. In October, lawyers from different regions of Russia took part in a seminar on The European Court of Human Rights: Effective Case Conduct organized by the SCLJ in Moscow. One of the primary organizers and leader of the seminar was lawyer Roman Maranov, managing partner of the SCLJ. A variety of topics were addressed related to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), ranging from main trends of ECtHR rulings against Russia, successful and unsuccessful case strategies in the ECtHR, drafting an effective complaint to the ECtHR, and effective use of the English language in the ECtHR.

The SCLJ also recently hosted representatives from Baylor University who participated in a discussion on the prospects of legal education and strengthening religious tolerance in Russia. The activities of the Slavic Center and the Institute of Religion and Law as related to legal education and religion in Russia were discussed.

In addition, the SCLJ has issued an electronic encyclopedia of legislation on freedom of conscience and religious associations, covering both international and Russian experiences. This unique encyclopedia was published as a CD-ROM and includes legal documents and court decisions, as well as analytical articles on religious freedom, the practical protection of the rights of believers in Russia, and the encouraging development of tolerance in Russian society. The Encyclopedia of Law on Freedom of Conscience is the most comprehensive collection of legal documents and examples of jurisprudence on the protection of religious freedom in Russia. Related and supporting materials also reflect the experience of the SCLJ in protecting the rights of religious believers.