Early indications of today’s national referendum on the constitutional change proposed by the Spanish Government, guaranteeing religious freedom to Jews and Protestants, show that this change will be heavily approved by the population throughout the country.
The proposed constitutional amendment gives legal form to the principle of “religious liberty” which is embodied in a 42-page document. Catholicism is the only recognized religion in Spain now. The constitutional change suggesting “religious liberty” for all religions guarantees the complete freedom of worship and all other forms of religious practice to Jews, Protestants and Moslems.
The religious liberty measure is expected to be presented to the Cortes — the Spanish Parliament — before the end of this year and, despite powerful opposition, is expected to be approved by a substantial majority. Foes of the proposed Constitutional change among Conservative political groups and some of the Catholic Church princes contend that the Constitution is adequate and that the proposed amendment would weaken the Catholic Church in Spain without adding anything substantive to the principle of religious freedom in the new Constitution.
The opposition is assumed to be aimed at Protestant groups in Spain, but it would affect Spain’s 8,000 Jews if it wins in Parliament. Most Spanish and non-Spanish observers here believe that the opposition will fail and that the measure will become law.
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