The proposal to replace Fiji’s secular state provision with religious liberty continues to be raised as public consultations on the Constitution Amendment Bill 2026 moves to the north.
Iosefo Loka Naduva told Parliament’s special committee in Savusavu last Saturday that the country should reconsider how religion was addressed in the Constitution.
“The first one is on the secular state, religious liberty and not in a Christian state,” he said.
Mr Naduva said the Constitution Review Commission’s draft proposed Fiji become a Christian state, while the Government’s Amendment Bill recommended retaining the secular state provision alongside religious liberty.
He argued that religious liberty should replace the secular state provision, pointing to the existing constitutional protections under the Bill of Rights.
“It says in chapter 2 that it is covered under the Bill of Rights.
“What we are recommending that it is good that instead of having a secular state, it be replaced by a religious liberty.”
Mr Naduva also referred to the belief in God, saying this was already reflected in the constitutional framework.
“In addition to that, if you would like, it’s possible we add, we believe in one God, one Creator, and one Redeemer,” he added.
His submission adds to the ongoing debate over whether Fiji should retain its secular state status or change the constitutional provisions governing religion and religious freedom.
The committee is hearing public views on the proposed amendments as part of the consultation process.
