REGULATION on the Advisory Commission on Religious Matters (RCCreligieuse) - Constitution

1. A Religious Affairs Advisory Commission is established (hereinafter: the Commission) in accordance with Article 30a of the law on the recognition of religious communities and on the relations between the State and the religious communities recognized as being of public interest [A].

1. The purpose of this regulation is to establish the missions of the Commission, as well as its operational rules.

1. The Commission is an advisory commission.

2. The Commission may be consulted by the Council of State on all matters related to the religious domain.

3. Departments and services may call upon the Commission regarding specific issues related to religious matters that are connected to the public policies for which they are responsible.

4. The Commission cannot be consulted by third parties.

1. The department in charge of religious affairs [B] may seek the opinion of the Commission or delegate to it the examination of an application for the recognition of a religious community (Art. 19a, para. 1 LRCR) [A].

2. The opinion of the Commission does not bind the department (Art. 19a, para. 2 LRCR).

1. The Commission issues opinions in the form of reports sent to the concerned authorities and intended to advise them. It may extend its analysis to subjects related to the question posed.

2. The Commission's opinions are transmitted for information to the department in charge of religious affairs. Its head meets with the Commission at least once a year.

3. The Commission's opinions concerning projects submitted for decision to the Council of State are attached to the proposal of the Council of State.

1. The Commission may undertake measures of investigation. It may, in particular, hear interested parties and seek the opinion of experts.

2. Any expenditure commitment must receive prior approval from the department in charge of religious affairs [B].

1. The Commission is composed of 9 to 11 experts in the fields of religion, ethics, or social integration.

2. Its members are appointed ad personam by the Council of State.

3. They are appointed for the duration of the legislative term and are eligible for reappointment.

1. The president of the Commission is appointed by the Council of State.

2. The Commission is convened by the president. In the absence of the president, the commission appoints a session president from among the members present.

1. The Commission may deliberate validly in the presence of at least six of its members.

1. The Commission decides by a simple majority of the members present. In the event of a tie vote, the chairperson has the casting vote.

1. The members of the Commission are bound by professional secrecy.

1. The works of the Commission are financed according to the directives of the ordinance on commissions dated October 19, 1977.

1. The Department of Institutions and Security is responsible for the implementation of this regulation which comes into effect on August 1, 2015.