Exploitation of places of worship for political, non-religious aims banned in Kuwait

Kuwait has enacted Decree Law No. 72/2026 to regulate the establishment and management of places of worship, with the stated aim of promoting transparency, religious freedom, and equality among citizens. The law, published in the official gazette "Kuwait Al-Youm," explicitly prohibits the exploitation of religious sites for political or non-religious purposes.

The decree outlines a comprehensive set of activities forbidden within places of worship. These include insulting or denigrating any religion, interfering in the state's political affairs, inciting strife, or disrupting public order. It also prohibits performing religious rites outside designated areas without prior authorization if they disrupt traffic or public order, organizing unauthorized events, or engaging in rituals that could harm individuals.

Furthermore, the law forbids communication with diplomatic or security institutions and using places of worship to interfere in the internal or external policies of other countries. Recruiting or appointing staff also requires prior permission from the relevant ministry.

The executive regulations for this law are to be issued by the Council of Ministers within six months. Existing legislation will remain in effect until then. Places of worship that do not comply with the new law must rectify their legal status within six months of the executive regulations taking effect. Failure to do so could result in the ministry closing and liquidating the assets of the non-compliant places of worship, with funds returned to owners if possible, or the assets managed by a designated entity.

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The law aims to regulate the establishment and management of places of worship transparently, to promote freedom of religious practice and equality among citizens. The exploitation of places of worship for political or non-religious purposes is prohibited.