All cases

Filtered by: Freedom of Expression

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.

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.

Law Criminalizes Elements of Christianity

December 31, 2002, Sweden

New law prohibits criticism of homosexuality and makes biblical applications to today a criminal offence.

Preacher Arrested For Public Order Offence

April 1, 2002, United Kingdom

(October 2001-April 2002) Evangelical preacher arrested and fined for displaying a sign in public saying ‘Stop Immorality’.

Pastor Jailed for Expression of Pro-Life Opinion

March 11, 1998, Germany

Pastor jailed for calling an abortion specialist “professional killer” and “torturer” in Erlangen.

Dutch MP Fined for Critical Comment on Homosexuality

December 30, 1996, Netherlands

A politician was fined in the first instance for hate speech in criticizing homosexuality. Even though the court of second instance lifted the sentence, the hypersensitivity of the first court is a worrying sign.

Attempts to Silence Bishop for Voicing His Opinion About Gender Ideology

January 1, 1970, Spain

The Spanish political party, the United Left, presented a motion to the regional Parliament to convict the Bishop of Córdoba, Demetrio Fernández, for having spoken out his opinion on gender ideology. According to the motion, the bishop’s weekly pastoral letter entitled “Gender ideology breaks the family” was an acute case of discrimination. The motion, signed by spokesman Francisco Tejada, called on the government of Andalusia to “launch the legal mechanisms in the context of their power to prevent cases of abuse and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.”

British Street Preachers under Pressure after New Legislation Passed

January 0, 0000, United Kingdom

More and more Evangelists in the UK, who preach on public streets are being prosecuted or are facing allegations due to the opinions they expressed. Due to the insecurity to know what can be or not be said, street preachers, but also comedians, secularists and LGTBT activists "came together (in 2013) against the criminalisation of “insulting” words or behaviour under the same Public Order Act. Referencing decisions by the European Court of Human Rights, they argued that freedom of speech did not only apply to information or ideas favourably received but also to those that offend, shock or disturb the state or any sector of the population. And they were successful. The removal of “insulting” from section 5 of the Public Order Act was heralded as a great victory which would prevent street preachers, comedians and peaceful protesters from facing unlawful arrest and legal uncertainty".