The Congress of the Republic of Peru approved a law on Thursday, June 9, that represents progress for religious freedom in the country. In a plenary session, the parliamentarians approved in a second vote Bill No. 4610/2022-CR, which recognizes the right of public and private sector workers to observe Saturday as a compensatory non-working day when it constitutes their day of rest for religious reasons.

With this decision, Parliament strengthens the protection of a fundamental right recognized by the Political Constitution of Peru: freedom of religion and conscience. The law will allow workers to reconcile their work responsibilities with their religious practices through a system of compensatory time off without affecting their job performance.

Congressman Juan Burgos Oliveros spearheaded this initiative to promote more equitable conditions for those who observe Saturday as a day of religious rest. During the parliamentary process, the bill received majority support from national representatives, reflecting the legislature's commitment to addressing the diverse expressions of faith present in Peruvian society.

The approval of this law marks a step towards a more inclusive coexistence, in which respect for personal convictions is part of the guarantees for all citizens.

The president of the North Peru Mission, Daniel Montalván, expressed his gratitude for this event and highlighted the Adventist Church's commitment to promoting dialogue, mutual respect, and coexistence based on Gospel values.

"Religious freedom is a right that promotes mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and the appreciation of human dignity. We celebrate this important step for our country with gratitude to God and with hope for our nation," declared Montalván.

For the Adventist Church, the final approval of this initiative represents a significant step forward for religious freedom in Peru.

In this regard, Edgardo Muguerza, director of Religious Freedom for the North Peru Mission, emphasized that this law “represents an advance in the defense of religious freedom and an important recognition of the right that thousands of Peruvians have to live their faith freely and without discrimination.”

He expressed his gratitude to God for guiding this process and acknowledged the impetus of Congressman Juan Burgos Oliveros and the support of the national representation for the approval of this initiative.

With this progress, Peru strengthens the recognition of religious freedom and respect for diversity of conscience, values ​​that the Adventist Church will continue to promote through dialogue and coexistence based on mutual respect.

Following the approval of the proposal, the next stages of the process will continue until its enactment and official publication. Once in effect, the Executive Branch will develop the necessary supplementary provisions for implementation.

The original article was published on the South American Division Spnaish news site.