May 2013, France
Hate speech laws are very strict in France. Since the law of December, 8th, 2004,
any discrimination in speech against homosexuals is forbidden. Christians for example are unable to publically say that having a same-sex relationship was a sin. The consequence is that nobody criticizes homosexuality in itself on TV, radio or in newspapers. Read more ...
May 2013, Netherlands
Organisations may base their work on whatever beliefs or convictions - but to receive public funding, they must not object to current legislation. This creates a problem for Christian organisations especially with regard to objecting to medical procedures. Read more ...
May 2013, France
Law 93-121 of January, 27th, 1993, so- called “loi Neiertz” made it a specific offense
to obstruct abortions. Therefore manifestations in front of hospitals are frequently
not permitted. A well-known doctor and embryologist, Xavier Dor, was condemned
and sentenced to prison several times because he prayed together with a few others in
front of a hospital and obstructed legal abortions. At 83, his latest trial is ongoing. 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, Austria
Anti-stalking legislation is used against side-walk counselling or picketing. On
October 25th, 2011, the state court of Graz, Styria, upheld a judgement of the first instance condemning pro-life side-walk counsellors to pay fines on the grounds of “stalking.” Read more ...