Case file · Folklore / legend
Vodou recognised as a religion
In April 2003 President Jean-Bertrand Aristide issued a decree recognising Vodou as a religion with the same standing as others, after the 1987 constitution had dropped laws against it.
2003 CE · 18.54, -72.34 · status: official
The account
Houngans and mambos could now perform legally binding baptisms and marriages. The decree followed two centuries of laws against 'superstitious practices' going back to the colonial and early national codes.