State Council amends rules governing religion

Measure further protects freedom of belief; will take effect on Feb 1

The State Council passed a revised regulation on religious affairs on Thursday to further protect people's freedom of religious belief while combating religious extremism and related crimes.

The revised regulation aims to deal with newly emerging situations and problems, it said in a statement. It said it hopes the regulation, which will take effect on Feb 1, will help make people - with or without religious beliefs, or whose beliefs differ - to respect each other more and live harmoniously together.