Inter-religious body backs Rastafarian push for reform of ganja laws

Members of the Guyana Rastafari Council during a recent peaceful protest opposite the Chambers of the Attorney General (Orlando Charles photo)

While it says it is not calling for the indiscriminate smoking of marijuana to be legalised, the Inter-Religious Organization of Guyana (IROG) has urged government to consider comprehensive law reform to recognise and respect their religious rights.

In a release issued last Saturday, the IROG noted the recent protest by members of the Rastafarian community outside the office of the Attorney General (AG), calling for government to “urgently” amend the laws to “recognize and respect their religious and cultural rights.”

Just under a month ago, members of the Rastafarian community continued to protest for the suspension of jail sentences for the possession of small amounts of cannabis, along with its use being respected as a religious right for its members.