All cases

Spanish Officer Considers Catholic Teaching on Sexuality a Case of "Bad Education"

June 30, 2005, Spain

The official speaker for the PSOE on issues related to Education, Adolfo Navarro, has requested the intervention of the Education Council to reprimand another case of "bad education". The complaint submitted by Navarro refers to some material facilitated by the Ethics Professor of two students from Colegio de Jesus who requested it. The material contains traditional Catholic teachings on sexuality. Navarro says the material "only promotes homophobia and ignorance".

Spanish Minister of Justice Call to End the Privileges of the Catholic Church and Accused It of Supporting Fascism

June 29, 2005, Spain

The Spanish Minister of Justice, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, called to end any state funding of the Catholic Church. According to this high official the Church enjoyed privileges that had their origin in the times where the Catholic creed was the only "official" religion. López Aguilar stated that the Catholic Church was in favour of the Spanish Civil War, and held strong relations with the Franquists.

Calvinist University Sued for Dismissing Student Involved in Homosexual Promotion

June 15, 2005, Hungary

Karoli Gaspar Calvinist University in Budapest was sued by the Hatter Support Group for Gays and Lesbians after the University had dismissed a student who was involved in promotion of homosexuality. The university declared that the religious school cannot let, conduct and promote homosexuality, because it is against its morals, beliefs and the way of teaching.

Notre Dame Cathedral Seized, Priest Hurt, Gay Mock Wedding Performed

June 5, 2005, France

On Sunday June 5th, priest Monsignor Patrick Jacquin was hurt in Notre Dame Cathedral when about twenty members of the association ‘Act Up’ burst into the cathedral, defying the security personnel, in order to perform a mock marriage of two lesbians.

Conscientious Objection Denied to Public Servants

April 28, 2005, Spain

The Superior Tribunal of Madrid ruled against the right to conscientious objection to registry officers who requested to be exempted, and/or replaced by a colleague, in cases of same-sex marriage. The Tribunal understands that public servants swear full obedience to the law and are to abide by it. "The absolute submission to the law cannot be dismissed nor justified in any case, mostly when a private belief is at stake" confirmed the Tribunal.

Converts to Christianity Assaulted

February 1, 2005, United Kingdom

Convert family from Islam to Christianity assaulted in Bradford.

Spanish Officer Calls the Catholic Church a "Public Enemy"

January 30, 2005, Spain

The former Spanish ambassador to the Holy See, Gonzalo Puente Ojea, affirmed that the Catholic Church is a public enemy nowadays. In the view of Puente Ojea, the Church is used to a privilege treatment and its bellicose tone towards the Spanish government is part of a power game.

Member of Parliament Sued for "Homophobic Insults"

January 26, 2005, France

French member of parliament, Christian Vanneste, sentenced to payments for "homophobic insults"; three years later acquitted by last juridical instance.

Christianophobic Opera Aired on BBC

January 8, 2005, International

“Jerry Springer the Opera” was screened by the BBC on January 8th and attracted a record number of complaints of over 55,000 from the public as it contained contemptuous, scurrilous and ludicrous references to the Christian Faith.

European Parliament Declines Plegded Support of € 1,5 Million for World Youth Day

December 15, 2004, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

On December 15th 2004 the European Union rejected funding for the upcoming 2005 World Youth Day (WYD) during the second reading of the 2005 budget.

TV Gag against Christian Symbols

December 1, 2004, Spain

TV Channel Canal Plus Gag "How to Cook a Crucifix" demeans Christian Symbols.

High Government Official Recommends Catholic School to Remove Crucifixes and Avoid Prayers

November 27, 2004, Spain

The inspector recommended to a Catholic school to remove crucifixes and other religious symbols from the classrooms as well as ceasing morning prayers and other expressions of faith.

Practicing Catholic Rejected as a Member of the European Commission

October 1, 2004, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

Rocco Buttiglione was dismissed by the European Institutions as EU Commissioner because of his Catholic convictions.

Greek Orthodox Church Damaged by Bomb Explosion

August 1, 2004, Cyprus

Greek Orthodox Church in Northern Cyprus was damaged by bomb explosion in Cyprus conflict.

Orthodox Cathedral Turned into Public Toilet

April 19, 2004, Serbia

The Orthodox cathedral of Christ the Savior in Pristina, still under construction, with its consecrated foundations and cross, where Holy Liturgy was periodically served before the war while it was still under construction, has been turned into a public toilet, while the property around the church has become the squatting ground of Roma emigrants from the Republic of Albania.

Christian Student Union Reported to Police for Hosting Speaker With Traditional Biblical View on Homosexuality

February 26, 2004, United Kingdom

The Christian Union of the University of Cambridge was reported to the police after the distribution of 12,000 copies of St John's gospel to students and the lecture given by Phillip Jensen, the Dean of St. Andrew´s Cathedral, in Sydney, Australia, on the traditional biblical view on homosexuality.

Staff Sacked after Refusing Sunday Work

February 1, 2004, United Kingdom

Staff sacked after refusing Sunday work.

Christian Groups Listed as "Dangerous Sects"

January 1, 2004, France

(1996 - 2005) Legal developments put religious freedom at risk. Christian groups listed as dangerous sects. State power to interfere with religious exercise established by law.

Police Investigate Anglican Bishop Because He Said Some Homosexuals Changed to Heterosexuality

November 12, 2003, United Kingdom

The Bishop of Chester was investigated by the Cheshire constabulary in November 2003 after he told his local newspaper of research showing that some homosexuals re-orientated to heterosexuality. The police passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service who decided not to prosecute.

Pastor Charged for Preaching on Homosexuality

June 20, 2003, Sweden

Pastor Ake Green charged with committing a "hate crime" for preaching a sermon on homosexuality in Borghold.