Peru’s Congress Votes on Saturdays as “Compensable Nonworking” Days

The congress of the Republic of Peru recently approved, on its first vote, Bill 4610, which proposes to recognize Saturday as a compensable nonworking day for workers whose faith establishes that day as a day of rest. The decision, reached on November 20, had 68 votes in favor, 2 against, and 18 abstentions.

According to church leaders, the vote highlights significant progress in the defense of the human right to religious freedom in Peru.

The initiative, resulting from Bill 4610/2022-CR, guarantees that workers can live out their faith without affecting the relationship with their employers. According to the ruling, the hours not worked must be compensated within 10 days, or as established by the employer. In addition, the document specifies that labor clauses that may be a source of discrimination on religious grounds will not be valid.

Distribution of Ellen G. White’s Steps to Christ

Minutes before the start of the session, Edgardo Muguerza, director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the North Peru Union Mission (UPN) of the Adventist Church, presented copies of a special edition of Ellen G. White’s Steps to Christ to Congressman Juan Burgos’ team. Burgos, who introduced the bill, personally took the books and distributed them among parliamentarians.

Steps to Christ, first published in 1892, is a volume that for more than a century has led millions of people to deepen their faith and relationship with God, Adventist regional leaders said.

A Milestone for Religious Freedom in Peru

For the Adventist Church this positive vote represents a moment of deep significance, according to Muguerza. “This advance represents a giant step in the defense of the right to religious freedom, a constitutional right that protects the conscience, the faith, and the spiritual identity of thousands of Peruvian families. Although legislative processes take their course, the perfect timing is always God’s—He directs history, opens paths, and allows justice to make progress at the right time.”

The initial passage of Bill 4610 is a cause for gratitude for thousands of believers who keep the Sabbath as a holy day, Adventist leaders reported, and is a result of many years of advocacy. UPN president Daniel Montalván invited church members and leaders to remain united and in prayer as they keep trusting God. “We trust the Lord will continue to guide us on this path with the same faithfulness with which He has opened doors in the past and to this very moment,” he said.

Second Vote and President’s Approval

According to the rules of procedure of Peru’s congress, the bill must be submitted to a second vote within seven working days. If approved, it will be sent to the president for promulgation or possible observations. Adventist leaders said that the denomination will continue supporting this process with prayer, trusting in God’s guidance at every step.

The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Spanish-language news site.