Translate the text from English to Welsh.



 
The freedom to hold religious beliefs and to exercise those views through holding religious ceremonies is enshrined in human rights legislation. Here in Wales, there has been a long standing and established tradition of both religious observance and tolerance. We have a proud history as a country where people of many cultures and religions have lived side by side for generations, enriching the life of the whole nation. The Welsh Government continues to be committed to promoting good relations and an understanding among all faith communities in Wales, including people of no faith.


The general power of competence does not apply to Councils in Wales. There has been a perception this has, in some way, disadvantaged Councils in Wales, in their ability to hold prayers as part of their official business. It has been seen, by some, as a matter which needs rectifying through legislation. The Welsh Government considers this to be misleading and does not intend to bring forward legislation on this point. If there are restrictions to how Councils may approach this matter, they arise from the general legal requirements as to equality and non\-discrimination, not from any apparent limit on the Councils’ statutory powers.  


In the view of the Welsh Government, it is a matter for a Local Authority to consider on competent legal advice, whether the circumstances in its individual case make it appropriate to hold prayers as part of a formal meeting. Generally speaking, there is nothing to prevent like\-minded Councillors from saying prayers – or sharing a moment of quiet reflection –    immediately before moving on to official business, rather than as a formal part of business or in a way as to affect the formal business.


The Welsh Government is not able to give advice to cover the very specific individual circumstances in which these issues will arise for consideration. Most Councils in Wales have already made practical and workable arrangements and we are confident that giving appropriate consideration to the rights of their Members and constituents, all may now do so.


*This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Assembly returns, I would be happy to do so.*







Translation:


 
Mae’r hawl i lynu wrth gred grefyddol ac i ymarfer yr hawl hwnnw trwy gynnal seremonïau crefyddol wedi’i ddiogeli gan ddeddfwriaeth hawliau dynol. Yma yng Nghymru, mae traddodiad hirsefydlog o gadwraeth crefyddol a goddefgarwch ill dau. Mae gennym hanes balch fel gwlad lle mae pobl o nifer o ddiwylliannau a chrefyddau wedi byw ochr wrth ochr am genedlaethau, yn cyfoethogi bywyd y genedl gyfan. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn parhau i ymrwymo i hybu perthnasau da a dealltwriaeth ym mhob cymuned ffydd, gan gynnwys y rhai heb unrhyw ffydd o gwbl.

 Nid yw’r pŵer cyffredinol o gymhwysedd yn berthnasol i Gynghorau yng Nghymru.  Mae canfyddiad bod hyn wedi rhoi Cynghorau yng Nghymru o dan anfantais ynglŷn â’u gallu i gynnal gweddïau fel rhan o’u busnes swyddogol. Mae rhai wedi galw am ddeddfwriaeth sy’n unioni’r mater. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn ystyried hyn i fod yn gamarweiniol ac nad oes bwriad ganddynt i ddeddfu ar y mater hwn.  Os oes cyfyngiadau ar sut y gall Cynghorau ymdrin â’r mater hwn, maent yn codi o’r gofynion cyfreithiol cyffredinol ynglŷn â chydraddoldeb a pheidio gwahaniaethu, nid o unrhyw derfyn ymddangosiadol ar bŵerau statudol Cynghorau.

 Yng ngolwg Llywodraeth Cymru, mae’n fater i’r Awdurdod Lleol gysudro, ar ôl cymryd cyngor cyfreithiol cymwys, a yw’r amgylchiadau yn ei achos penodol yn ei gwneud hi’n briodol i gynnal gweddïau fel rhan o gyfarfod ffurfiol. Yn gyffredinol, does dim byd i gadw Cynghorwyr o’r un meddylfryd rhag gweddïo – neu rannu munud o fyfyrdod tawel – yn union cyn symud ymlaen i fusnes swyddogol, yn hytrach na fel rhan o fusnes ffurfiol neu mewn ffordd sydd yn effeithio ar y busnes ffurfiol. 

 Nid yw Llywodraeth Cymru yn gallu rhoi cyngor i ymdrin â’r amgylchiadau unigol penodol y bydd gofyn ystyried y materion hyn ynddynt. Mae’r rhan fwyaf o Gynghorau yng Nghymru eisioes wedi gwneud trefniadau ymarferol gweithredol ac rydym yn hyderus y gall pob un wneud yn awr gan roi ystyriaeth addas i hawliau eu haelodau a’u hetholwyr. 

 *Caiff y datganiad ei gyhoeddi yn ystod y toriad er mwyn rhoi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i Aelodau. Os bydd Aelodau eisiau i mi wneud datganiad pellach neu ateb cwestiynau ynglŷn â hyn pan fydd y Cynulliad yn dychwelyd, byddwn yn hapus i wneud hynny.*