Iceland is an island country in Europe. The population of this country is approx 3,76,000 with 1,02,775 square kilometers area. The official language is Icelandic. Ethnically 86% Icelandic. 72% are Christians, almost all of them are the members of the "Church of Iceland". 25% do not believe in any religion.
It is wrong to think that the constitutions of European countries are always great. Very few Articles are interesting. Members of Parliament are independent for decision-making and are not bound to take the views of their constituencies. Everyone is free to practice religion. However, no one is able to refrain from fulfilling his civic duties due to religious beliefs. State assistance is assured in case of sickness, invalidity, old age and unemployment.
These are positive aspects. Now let's discuss the negative aspects. The Evangelical Lutheran Church is constitutionally recognized as the state church of Iceland.
Admirable Articles of Iceland's Constitution
Article 48
Members of Althingi are bound solely by their conviction and not by any instructions from their constituents.
Article 64 (Part of it)
No one may lose any of his civil or national rights on account of his religion, nor may anyone refuse to perform any generally applicable civil duty on religious grounds.
Everyone shall be free to remain outside religious associations. No one shall be obliged to pay any personal dues to any religious association of which he is not a member.
Article 65
Everyone shall be equal before the law and enjoy human rights irrespective of sex, religion, opinion, national origin, race, colour, property, birth or other status.
Men and women shall enjoy equal rights in all respects.
The law shall guarantee for everyone the necessary assistance in case of sickness, invalidity, infirmity by reason of old age, unemployment and similar circumstances.
The law shall guarantee for everyone suitable general education and tuition.
For children, the law shall guarantee the protection and care which is necessary for their well-being.
Facts of Iceland's Constitution
Article 62
The Evangelical Lutheran Church shall be the State Church in Iceland and, as such, it shall be supported and protected by the State.
This may be amended by law.
Article 64 (Part of it)
A person who is not a member of any religious association shall pay to the University of Iceland the dues that he would have had to pay to such an association, if he had been a member. This may be amended by law.
Article 79
Proposals to amend or supplement this Constitution may be introduced at regular as well as extraordinary sessions of Althingi. If the proposal is adopted, Althingi shall immediately be dissolved and a general election held. If Althingi then passes the resolution unchanged, it shall be confirmed by the President of the Republic and come into force as constitutional law.
If Althingi passes an amendment to the status of the Church under Article 62, it shall be submitted to a vote for approval or rejection by secret ballot of all those eligible to vote.
