Notre Dame Law School’s Lindsay and Matt Moroun Religious Liberty Clinic has played a role in Belize’s ongoing constitutional review process, which began in November 2022. Belize, a nation located in Central America but belonging to the Caribbean region, launched the review under the People’s Constitution Commission Act, passed by the Belize National Assembly. The Act established a 26-member Constitution Commission tasked with analyzing and proposing amendments or replacements to the current Constitution.
This review is designed to ensure that Belize’s Constitution upholds fundamental rights, particularly religious liberty and the right to education. A key focus of the Clinic’s involvement has been to advocate for the explicit protection of these rights, especially regarding faith-based schools and parental autonomy in education.
“A well-crafted constitution ensures that fundamental rights are preserved not just for the present generation, but for those to come,” said Clinic attorney Kimberlie Orr. “That’s why this review process is so crucial—it provides an opportunity to strengthen the legal foundations that safeguard religious liberty and education rights for the long term.”
The Clinic’s team has worked with the Council of Churches, which includes representatives from all denominations. Led by Orr, the team—composed of JSD student María Paz Madrid, JD students Ellie Augustine and Giorgo Caripidis—has prepared detailed reports that explore Belize’s current legal and constitutional protections for freedom of religion. These reports also assess the regulation of faith-based schools, and they have been submitted to the Catholic Church’s governing body for review and representation in the broader public dialogue.
“The constitutional review process offers an important opportunity to educate the public on the significance of the Constitution, its protections for individual rights, and the unique cultural and religious aspects that Belizeans cherish,” said Madrid. As part of this educational effort, Madrid was invited by the Council of Churches to deliver a talk on the Preamble of the Constitution and its implications for protecting fundamental rights in Belize.
To enhance its efforts, the Clinic has partnered with the UC Center for Law and Religion, which has brought a wealth of expertise in comparative constitutional law. The Center’s Director, María Elena Pimstein, contributed a report evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of Belize’s current legal framework. Drawing from their experience in the Chilean constitutional processes, the Center has provided invaluable insights on how to further protect religious liberty within Belize’s evolving legal landscape.
“The recognition of the spiritual dimension of the human person, as expressed in the Preamble of Belize’s Constitution, aligns with the nation’s history and its place in the Commonwealth,” said Pimstein. “The Supremacy of God, while not tied to any specific denomination, serves as the foundation for human dignity and rights, offering a profound basis for the protection of fundamental freedoms.”
The Clinic has also benefited from the research contributions of Manuel Martín, a former Research Visitor to the Medieval Institute, who provided critical analysis of the concept of the Supremacy of God. Martín’s research highlights the historical and political significance of the principle, which, though rooted in the political traditions of the Caribbean, remains relevant in modern legal systems.
Through this multifaceted collaboration, the Religious Liberty Clinic is committed to advancing the protection of fundamental freedoms throughout the constitutional review process. As the process continues, the Clinic will remain engaged in promoting the principles of religious liberty and the right to education, ensuring that Belize’s Constitution reflects the values and needs of its people.