THE HISTORY OF FIXATION OF FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LAW

The article is devoted to the history of fixation of freedom of religion in national legislation and international law from ancient times till nowadays. The religion of the place was a priority in ancient societies. Ancient states, which concluded peace treaties, had to respect the religion of each other. When the state religion appeared many dissidents had been persecuted, and this led to numerous religious conflicts. The permission to freely manifest different religions solved this problem. The struggle for independence in North America helped to consolidate religious freedom in constitutional documents both in the New and the Old World. Freedom of religion is proclaimed in general international documents of 20th century including the International Bill of Rights, the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and the United Nation Declaration on Religious Freedom. Today most states guarantee freedom of religion by implementing international law norms.