May 2013, Germany
A letter to the editor by kath.net user „trierer“ about what he experienced in a German online discussion forum sheds light on the exclusion of Christians and Christians values from the public. Read more ...
May 2013, Germany
On May 22nd the district court sentenced parents of nine to pay a fine of 700 Euros for their violation of the compulsory school attendance for all children in Germany. The public prosecution department demanded six months in prison for the married couple due to their repeated offense.
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May 2013, Germany
Anti-religion groups have created a climate hostile to frank discourse. Besides defamation campaigns and negative stereotyping, hate incidents have come to the Observatory’s notice. Activists physically prevented a professor to enter an auditorium to voice deviating views. Anti-religion slogans and images are often used in hurtful manners, such as the public destruction of crosses, the image of Jesus as a crucified pig, or slogans such as “We are here to hurt your feelings” or “If Mary had had an abortion, we would have been spared people like you”. Read more ...
May 2013, Germany
Christian-inspired non-governmental pro-life organisations often express their faith and their convictions by protesting in front of abortion clinics, or by simply standing in front of clinics or counseling centers in order to offer conversation and alternatives. In the German cities Freiburg and Munich, this activity has been severely limited. Local courts have given in to the pressure by the targeted locations, which could have been mainly financial ones. Courts have restricted the form of manifestation as well as established a geographical ban. Appeals are ongoing. Read more ...
May 2013, Germany
“Homeschooling” is prohibited. Parents’ rights are commonly understood to include the right to chose the form of education of one’s children, including the possibility of non-institutional education, such as so-called homeschooling. Germany, however, allows homeschooling only in the most exceptional circumstances. In general, parents do not have the option to homeschool their children. Offenders have to pay fines, and occasionally, prison sentences are pronounced. Read more ...