Engaging in biased religious activities banned among Civil Servants
The government deliberated on a revised plan that seeks to prohibit civil employees from engaging in biased religious activities during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office Tuesday morning.
Under the revised plan, a ban on biased religious activities is clearly stipulated in public service regulations. Also under the plan, public servants who are found to have engaged in discriminatory religious activities will face severe penalties.
The government drew up the plan upon orders from President Lee Myung-bak, who urged for the strengthening of related laws and regulations late last month.
An official at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the government’s recent move comes amid demands by the Buddhist community to set up regulations that underline religious neutrality by civil servants.
The official said that with the move, the government hopes to improve its ties with the religious sector and believes the religious circle will appreciate the government’s efforts.