Section I. Freedom of Religion The Constitution provides for
freedom of religion, and the Government respects this right in
practice. The finances of the Roman Catholic Church are
integrated directly into the budgets of the national and local
governments; approximately $196,000 (CHF 300,000) was budgeted
for 1999, plus additional sums from the 11 communes. Normally,
church funding comes from the general budget, as decided by
Parliament, and is not a direct "tithe" paid by the citizen.
However, the relationship between the State and the Roman
Catholic Church currently is being redefined. As an interim
solution, the State's financial contributions for 1999, 2000,
and 2001 are paid into a special account. When a new agreement
is reached (no later than 2002), the agreed amount will be
released to the Catholic Church. The Government gives money not
only to the Catholic Church but also to other denominations. The
budget is allocated proportionately according to membership
numbers. All religious groups enjoy tax-exe