Preach no politics

Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has issued a Royal Order, prohibiting religious clerics and speakers from getting involved in political activities.

The new law bans the simultaneous membership in a political society and engagement in religious preaching, guidance or speeches, even if there is no remuneration. 

Under no circumstances can anyone combine religious preaching and membership in a political society.

The law also stipulates how a political society may carry out its activities, organise relationship among its members on a democratic basis, determine the political, financial and administrative prerogatives of its organs and leaders and ensure the highest levels of democratic discussions within them.

“The Prime Minister and the Ministers – each in their respective capacity – shall implement the provisions of this Law, which shall come into effect on the day following the date of its publication in the Official Gazette,” a statement issued by the Royal Court added.

It is noteworthy that both branches of the Legislative Authority (Parliament and Shura Council) passed a proposal to amend the law last month. 

It was passed after extended discussions among the MPs and in the presence of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa.