Article 9 of the ECHR guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.

Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others."

 Article 14 prohibits discrimination on any ground such as sex, race, colour, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property birth or other status.

"The enjoyment of the rights and freedoms set forth in this Convention shall be secured without discrimination on any ground such as sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status."

 Impact of the European Convention on Human Rights

• The European Convention on Human Rights protects the right to hold religious or other beliefs.
• People with a wide range of different faiths have brought cases to the European Court of Human Rights.
• Judgments from the Strasbourg court have protected people’s right to practice their religion, and the right of organisations to operate without government interference.