Constitution of the Independent
State of Samoa
13
11. Freedom of religion - (1) Every person has the right to
freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes
freedom to change his or her religion or belief, and freedom,
either alone or in a community with others, and, in public or
private, to manifest and propagate his or her religion or belief in
worship, teaching, practice and observance.
(2) Nothing in clause (1) shall affect the operation of any
existing law or prevent the State from making any law in so far
as that existing law or the law so made imposes reasonable
restrictions on the exercise of the right conferred under the
provisions of that clause in the interests of national security or of
public order, health or morals, or for protecting the rights and
freedom of others, including their rights and freedom to observe
and practice their religion without the unsolicited interference of
members of other religions.
12. Rights concerning religious instruction - (1) No person
attending any educational institution shall be required to receive
religious instruction or take part in any religious ceremony or
attend religious worship, if that instruction, ceremony or worship
relates to a religion other than his or her own.
(2) Every religious community or denomination shall have
the right to establish and maintain educational institutions of its
own choice and to provide therein religious instruction for pupils
of that community or denomination.
(3) Nothing in clause (2) shall prevent the State from making
any law requiring the inspection of educational institutions and
the maintenance therein of standards in keeping with the general
educational level in Samoa.
13. Rights regarding freedom of speech, assembly,
association, movement and residence - (1) All citizens of
Samoa shall have the right:
(a) to freedom of speech and expression;
(b) to assemble peaceably and without arms;
(c) to form associations or unions; and
(d) to move freely throughout Samoa and to reside in any
part thereof.
(2) Nothing in sub-clause (a) of clause (1) shall affect the
operation of any existing law or prevent the State from making