ARTICLE 8 FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND CONSCIENCE Section 11(1) of the Constitution provides for the right to freedom of religion and conscience in the following terms: “Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of conscience, and for purposes of this section, the said freedom includes, freedom of thought and of religion”. Section 3(b) of the Constitution, among others, provides for the individual’s freedom of conscience, of expression and of assembly and association subject to the respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest. Section 21 of the Children’s Act further prohibits parents, relatives or guardians from forcing the child to adopt any particular religion, philosophy or doctrine. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-Four (1864) religious organisations have been registered since 1972 to 2014. Thirty-one (31) churches were denied registration, between 2013-2014, because of their failure to comply with the registration procedure. Below is an illustration of the number of Christian, Animist, Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist denominations or institutions from 2002 to 2013. Denominations or Religious Associations Christian Muslim Sikh Buddhist Total Registration From 2002 to 2013 1074 4 1 1 1080 Before 2002 546 1 1 1 549 ARTICLE 9 RIGHT TO RECEIVE INFORMATION; RIGHT TO EXPRESS OPINION Section 3 (b) of the Constitution provides as follows: Whereas every person in Botswana is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, the right, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights 43 | P a g e