Section 60: Freedom of conscience
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) Every person has the right to freedom of conscience, which includes—
(a) freedom of thought, opinion, religion or belief; and
(b) freedom to practise and propagate and give expression to their thought, opinion,
religion or belief, whether in public or in private and whether alone or together with
others.
(2) No person may be compelled to take an oath that is contrary to their religion or belief or to take an oath in a manner that is contrary to their religion or belief.
(3) Parents and guardians of minor children have the right to determine, in accordance with their beliefs, the moral and religious upbringing of their children, provided they do not prejudice the rights to which their children are entitled under this Constitution, including their rights to education, health, safety and welfare.
(4) Any religious community may establish institutions where religious instruction may be given, even if the institution receives a subsidy or other financial assistance from the State.
This section establishes comprehensive protections for intellectual and spiritual autonomy in Zimbabwe. It goes beyond merely protecting religious freedom by safeguarding all forms of conscience and thought. The provision recognizing parents' rights to guide their children's moral development while balancing children's constitutional rights reflects a nuanced approach to family autonomy. Additionally, the protection against compelled oaths and the allowance for state-subsidized religious institutions demonstrate Zimbabwe's commitment to both negative freedoms (freedom from coercion) and positive freedoms (freedom to practice).