Pilgrims and pilgrimages she can receive special legal status. The bill with the relevant amendments to the legislation were discussed at the meeting of the Duma Committee on civil society development issues, public and religious associations on 13 November, according to “Parlamentskaya Gazeta”.
The authors of the document were made by the group of deputies led by the Committee Chairman Sergey Gavrilov.
Parliamentarians noted that pilgrimages have significant difference from normal tourist, and it is the purpose of the trip — visits to places of religious worship. Taking into account the specifics of the bill provides that the pilgrimage activity is the activities of religious organizations in organization of pilgrimages, including all aspects of travel, accommodation, food, transport, excursions and any other services for pilgrims.
Under the bill, a pilgrim will be a person that traveled for the period from 24 hours to 6 months in a row or performing at least one overnight stay in the place of temporary stay, to visit places of religious worship. In addition, religious organizations have the exclusive right to carry out pilgrimages as paid and Pro Bono basis.
According to developers of the document, the bill will protect the rights of believers to visit places of religious worship and protect them from unscrupulous organizers of pilgrimages.