BELGIUM, July 12, 2023 (Sudinfo, Google translated from French): After Buddhism, which is going to be recognized as a non-denominational philosophy in Belgium (the final vote must take place next October), it is Hinduism which is on the launching pad for official recognition as well, but as a religion. On July 19, the chamber must in principle validate in plenary a vote (already acquired in the Justice Committee) for the granting of subsidies to the Hindu Forum of Belgium. This subsidy of US$46,667 will enable it to hire two people in the secretariat (one full-time and one part-time) and to pay the charges for the premises occupied on avenue d’Auderghem in Brussels, for 2023 (from July to December). Annually, this subsidy will amount to double:$93,335. This is only the first step towards a path that promises to be long, perhaps 10 years to obtain final recognition… This first subsidy will allow it to structure itself.


“Being recognized by the state is very important on a moral level,” says Martin Gurvich, executive director of the Hindu Forum of Belgium. “It means that one is accepted as a religion (or a philosophy) which contributes to the well-being of people and that one can contribute to the multicultural development of the country. We will no longer be considered a second-rate religion (or philosophy)! This recognition will also make it possible to obtain material support from the State. In principle, we will be entitled to 1 spiritual adviser (salary paid by the SPF Justice) for 150 practitioners. This corresponds to approximately 300 full-time employees. This will also make it possible to send chaplains to prisons and hospitals. Recognition will also make it possible to obtain financial means from the Regions to maintain our temples and the buildings of the various associations of the Hindu Forum of Belgium (about ten buildings in all)”. And to conclude: “Recognizing Hinduism will make Belgium richer. Because for the moment, only Western religions are recognized ”. According to Martin Gurvich, Hinduism has between 30,000 and 40,000 active practitioners in Belgium. Half are converted Belgians (or Europeans living in Belgium), the other half people from Asia.

https://www.sudinfo.be/id686766/article/2023-07-12/lhindouisme-veut-etre-reconnue-comme-une-religion-officielle-en-belgique-elle-va

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