Freedom of Religion during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Poland: Legal and Sociological Perspectives

Abstract

Abstract This article presents an analysis of the legal regulations on practicing religion introduced in Poland with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic. The legal analysis juxtaposes these rules with freedom of religion, the rule of law (including the principle of proper legislation) and the principle of proportionality. A sociological analysis, based on IDI and CAWI research, explains the response of Polish society, specifically believers, to the restrictions imposed on the basis of the legal framework. The results of the analyses indicate that the regulations strongly violated the principles under scrutiny. However, in general, Polish society did not question the validity of the restrictions. Social criticism centered on specific solutions adopted by means of regulations, their questionable nature, and difficulties with their application, while the criticism did not express doubts of a legal nature.