Buddhist Values as Legal Values in the Constitution of Bhutan

Abstract

The Constitution of Bhutan of 2008 largely separates religion from the state. Nevertheless, the state authorities are obliged to protect certain Buddhist aspects as part of the country’s cultural heritage. The article shows that “Buddhism” becomes a legal term when the state authorities must interpret it in line with the state’s objectives. The court case concerning the film Hema Hema serves as an example of the conflicts that can arise between a religious and a state view of legitimate conduct.