Despite secular constitution, Fiji government won’t rule out prayer at official functions

With Fiji set to become a secular state when the new constitution comes into effect, it has been confirmed that "general prayers acceptable to all" will be said in government organised functions.

In the draft constitution, it is clearly stated that religious belief is personal. It said that the State and all persons holding a public office must treat all religions equally and they must not dictate any religious belief.

The draft further said that the State and all persons holding a public office must not prefer or advance, by any means, any particular religion, religious denomination, religious belief or religious practice over another, or over any non-religious belief.

When asked on how the government departments will handle prayers at functions when the constitution is adopted, Acting Prime Minister and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said a prayer can be said that is acceptable to all.