The constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom and, in practice, the government generally respected religious freedom. The trend in the government’s respect for religious freedom did not change significantly during the year.
There were reports of societal discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice. Rastafarians alleged the overwhelmingly Christian population discriminated against them, although there were signs of increasing acceptance. Rastafarians said that elements of their religion, such as wearing dreadlocks and smoking marijuana, presented serious barriers to their ability to find employment and achieve professional status in the official economy.
The embassy discussed religious freedom with the government and with civil society.