All cases
Chinese Karaoke will Ring in a Secular Christmas in Madrid
November 20, 2015, SpainThe mayor of Madrid announced plans for the city’s commemoration of the Christian holiday, including Greek dancing and Arabic food tasting, among other programming activities.
Apartment Owner Refuses to Rent to Employee of Pro-Life Association
November 15, 2015, GermanyIn November 2015, a theologian who is an employee of ALfA (Aktion Lebensrecht for Alle) wanted to rent an apartment in Augsburg. The owner refused to enter into a lease with the man for the sole reason that he works for ALfA (seen as a fundamentalist association).
Tasmania's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner to Investigate Catholic Church's Marriage Pamphlet
November 12, 2015, OtherTransgender politician, Martine Delaney, lodged an anti-discrimination complaint in September and on November 12, the commissioner announced it will begin investigation.
City of Toronto Threatened with Lawsuit after Banning Christian Music Festival
November 3, 2015, OtherThe City of Toronto is being threatened with legal action for refusing to grant a Christian group a permit to use a prominent downtown square for its annual musical festival next year, all because the city determined that singing the name of Jesus in the public venue contravenes city policy against “proselytizing.”
Prison Minister Fired for Preaching "Homophobic" Bible Verses
October 31, 2015, United KingdomReverend Barry Trayhorn, volunteering as a chaplain at a prison for sex offenders, recited verses from Corinthians which include homosexuality in a long list of sins, along with adultery, theft and drunkenness during a service.
Christian Converts Harassed at Swedish Asylum Center
October 20, 2015, SwedenA Pakistani couple had to leave the shelter in Western Sweden where they were staying after harassment by some of the Muslims in the housing ended with the husband's name sprayed on a wall near their room calling for his death.
Kindergarten Teacher Fired for Explaining Christmas Story
August 21, 2015, AustriaA city-run kindergarten in Vienna has fired a teacher because she “violated the kindergarten’s neutral stance on religion” by explaining that on Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This was in response to the children's questions about the holiday. In the letter informing the teacher of the school board’s decision to fire her, one reads that city-run kindergartens “accompany children of diverse religious faiths as well as without religious faith; therefore the religious meanings of traditional feasts are not mentioned and must instead be replaced by other content (for example during advent by themes such as ‘family’, ‘friendship’, or ‘community’). You have not followed this approach, but instead informed the children several times … about the Christian meaning of Christmas”. The teacher explains, "I have answered only the questions of the children . . . I am a Christian, but not a religion teacher."
Silent National Christian-Inspired Protest Mocked By Opponents
May 24, 2015, ItalyOn 24th of May 2015, an Italian network called Sentinelle in piedi ("Standing Watchmen“) organized a protest against the proposed draft laws on "homophobia" and same-sex unions and expressed their dissenting views by standing for an hour in silence at over 100 public squares all over Italy. The reason for that is the belief that new laws, if approved, would curtail freedom of speech for Christians. Opponents used offensive slogans and provocative gestures, including simulating homosexual acts. The participants of the Sentinelle in piedi were partly hindered by the protests. Opponents were mostly LGBT activists.
Judge Ordered French Town to Remove the Statue of Saint John Paul II
May 5, 2015, FranceAuthorities in the small French town of Ploermal are obliged to remove a statue of Saint John Paul II built in 2006. The reason which was given was the "ostentatious character" of the monument located in the public square, which is in contradiction with the secular principles of the state. This decision shocked local faithful and Mayor Parick Le Diffon vowed to appeal.
Hacker Attacks Vatican Website
April 16, 2015, InternationalTwice in one week, the Vatican website was partly inaccessible due to attacks from hackers. On Twitter someone named "Turk Hack Team Herakles" claimed responsibility, saying he would continue until the pope apologized for referring to a Turkish genocide against Armenians 100 years ago.
Street Preacher Fined, Judge Rules on Appropriateness of Bible Verses in Public
March 24, 2015, United KingdomTaunton street preacher Mike Overd has been convicted of a Public Order offence for using a particular bible verse in a public conversation with a man who identifies as homosexual. The judge ruled that another bible verse would have been more appropriate and would have prevented the fine.
"Congress of Christian Leaders" Called "Congress of Radical Christians" in News Coverage
March 12, 2015, GermanyKnown for his bias against Christians, Christian Baars, reporter for NRD.de, published an article about a Christian Congress which took place in February 2015 in Hamburg. "Scholz unterstützt Kongress radikaler Christen" (in English, "Scholz supports Congress of Radical Christians") is the title of the article. Olaf Scholz is the First Mayor of Hamburg. Christians considered the article to be biased and insulting.
Employment Tribunal Hears Christian Educator "Rightly" Dismissed for Faith
March 5, 2015, United KingdomChristian nursery educator, Sarah Mbuyi, was dismissed from her job after "gross misconduct" for saying that marriage is an institution between one man and one woman in conversation with a colleague. In an employment tribunal hearing, witnesses testified that Christian views on the topic should not be expressed in the workplace.
“Christ” and “Jesus” Considered Abusive by Marks & Spencer
March 1, 2015, United KingdomA pastor’s wife order for bouquet of spring flowers was blocked when she had tried to use words: "Thank you for your care and practical help for Margaret in her last days... With love from her church family, Christ Church Teddington". She was confronted with an on-screen warning: “Sorry there’s something in your message we can’t write.”
French Media Misleadingly Calls Christian Cemeteries "Municipal Sites"
February 23, 2015, FranceThe French news channel BFMTV reported statistics about problem of the profanation of cemeteries in 2014. In its morning news, it reported that 206 cases were in Christian cemeteries, in Jewish cemeteries there were 6 cases, and in Muslim sites there were 4 cases. By its lunchtime news program, the channel had ceased to mention "Christian" cemeteries, instead, the phrase "municipal" cemeteries was used. References to Jewish and Muslim cemeteries were unchanged.
French President Condemns the Murder of Christians Without Referring to Their Faith
February 16, 2015, FranceIn his statement after the murder of 21 Coptic Christians by Daesh in Libya, President Hollande did not mention the word "Christian" or that these people were killed by Islamic State for their Christian faith at all, but he merely referred to the victims as "Egyptian citizens."
Abortion Opponents Compared to Jihadists
February 9, 2015, SwedenMona Sahlin, the national coordinator against violent extremism at the Swedish Ministry of Justice, stated during a panel discussion on religion and democracy that Ellinor Grimmark, a Christian midwife who refuses to participate in abortion, was an "extreme religious practitioner who is fighting in a similar way as do the people fighting for the Islamic state.”
Politician Forced to Withdraw Candidacy Due to Christian Engagement
January 28, 2015, GermanyPolitician Mark Holleman had to withdraw his candidacy for appointment as the environmental and health officer for Munich, despite being the favored candidate of the City Council, because of his membership in a pro-life group as well as in Christian Solidarity International.
Journalists’ Association Displays Anti-Christian Bias
January 10, 2015, CroatiaA Croatian journalist was reprimanded by her professional association for calling abortion murder in an online article. While anti-Christian expressions are generally accepted as "a matter of style“, her Christian-inspired opinion was not tolerated.
Wayside Cross Motersawed by Muslim
December 22, 2014, AustriaAn old wayside crucifix with corpus was cut down with a motor saw in Groß-Enzersdorf, Lower Austria. A Muslim of Egyptian origin whose property was located close to the cross said that he it had „annoyed him“. The cross had been a destination for pilgrimages for over 60 years.
Topless Protest in the Strasbourg Cathedral against Visit of Pope in the European Parliament
November 25, 2014, FranceAn activist of the feminist group “Femen” climbed the altar in Strasbourg's cathedral topless and waved the EU flag. The words “Anti-Secular Europe,” were written across her breasts, and “The Pope is Not a Politician” on her back.
Pensioner Dismissed from Red Cross After Protesting Same-sex Marriage
November 1, 2014, United Kingdom71-years-old Bryan Barkley was dismissed from the British Red Cross after his one-man protest in front of his church holding a placard saying “No same sex marriage” and “No redefinition of marriage”. His views were found incompatible with the principles of impartiality and neutrality of Red Cross.
Anti-Church Exhibit in Madrid Museum
October 29, 2014, SpainThe Spanish museum of modern and contemporary art exhibits a rather peculiar piece: matches with a sign reading “The only church that illuminates is a burning one". This slogan had also been painted by vandals on the walls of the churches all over the country. The matches also say: "Contribute!" and there is a picture of a church in flames on the box of matches.
Internat’l Human Trafficking Conference Cancelled Because Organizer Is Christian Abortion Opponent
October 12, 2014, SwedenAn international conference about human rights and human trafficking in Sweden and Europe was cancelled three days before it was supposed to take place by the Uppsala University. The reason was an article published in the Swedish newspaper "Aftonbladet" exposing Scandinavian Human Rights Lawyers, and their President, Mrs. Ruth Nordström, as a defender of unborn life and freedom of conscience.
Pharmacy in Neukölln Vandalized for Refusal to Sell “Morning-After-Pill”
September 26, 2014, GermanyIn the night from 25th to 26th September a pharmacy in Neukölln was vandalized because of the owner’s refusal to sell the morning after pill. Pharmacist Andreas Kersten refers to reasons of his conscience. The show window and the entrance room were painted all over by red color, the damage amounts to more than 500 Euro.
School Director Criticized for Displaying Madonna at School
September 20, 2014, CroatiaThe Director of a primary school was heavily criticized for displaying a 1,2m high statue of Holy Mary in a hall of his school. It is claimed it infringes the principle of state secularity and the separation of state and church.
Cross Removed from Cemetery's Gate
September 20, 2014, ItalyThe municipality of Crotone has planned replacement of the entrance gate to a cemetery. At this moment there is a new gate but without a cross, officially not to disturb the sensitivity of Muslims and other non-Christian religions.
Attack at a Church in Berlin and at Christians Assembled in March for Life
September 19, 2014, GermanyA church in Berlin was seriously damaged because it offered its premises for abortion opponents. Also the Christians peacefully assembled at the so called “March for life” – a pro life manifestation in Berlin became targets of variety of attacks. Several German politicians criticized the event and described attending Christians as "religious fundamentalists".
Pro-Life-Activists Called “Conservative Dirt” by German Left Wing Party
September 17, 2014, GermanyThe regional council of the Left party in Türingen (Landesvorstand der Linken Thüringens) called the March for life organized every year by the national association of right to life as „an anti-feminist, anti-emancipatory and conservative dirt“.
Marriage Registrar Dismissed for Refusing to Perform Same-sex Ceremony But Subsequently Reinstated
September 1, 2014, United KingdomA Christian registrar was dismissed for indicating she would not be willing to perform same-sex marriages. Finally, she was reinstated after a successful appeal in which it was ruled that her employer had failed to take a “balanced view” of her religious beliefs.
Travelodge Removes Bibles from Hotel Rooms in Britain
August 15, 2014, United KingdomOne of biggest hotel chains in Britain, Travelodge, has decided to remove Bibles from the hotel rooms to avoid upsetting non-Christians. Travelodge bases its decision on ‘diversity reasons’ and explains that the country has become increasingly multicultural.
Christian Asylum Seekers Mobbed by Muslim Aslyum Seekers
August 11, 2014, GermanyChristians seeking asylum in Germany are reported to suffer anti-Christian attacks in homes for asylum seekers. Victims claim to be verbally abused and beaten by Muslim asylum seekers.
Doctor Fired in Abortion Incident for Refusal to Perform or Refer
July 8, 2014, PolandA Polish doctor was fired from his position as the director of Holy Family Hospital in Warsaw for refusing to perform an abortion on grounds of his conscience and for not referring the mother to a doctor who would do it. Dr. Chazan was dismissed by the mayor of Warsaw, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz.
Northern Ireland Bakery Facing Legal Action For Not Support Gay Marriage
July 7, 2014, United KingdomA bakery is facing legal action for refusing to produce a cake decorated with Sesame Street characters saying ‘support gay marriage’ on grounds of their religious beliefs. While gay marriage is not legal in Northern Ireland, the equality commission demands from the directors of the bakery to „remedy your illegal discrimination“.
US Teacher Documents 300 Cases of Anti-Christian Acts by Gay Activists
July 1, 2014, InternationalRobert Oscar Lopez, a teacher for Literature and Classics in Los Angeles, documented 300 cases of overboarding responses of gay activists to opponents. These incidents mainly took place in Europe and the US. Some are directed against Christians, others are more of a political nature. Some cases might seem self-inflicted, many do not.
Police Advice: Record Christian Street Preacher To Sue Them
June 30, 2014, United KingdomPolice advice people to record a Christian street preacher Mr Michael Overd on a video if he makes offensive remarks as some passers-by in High Street were upset when he expressed his views about homosexuality and sex outside marriage.
Street Evangelist Tried for Talking about the Live of Mohammed in Taunton
June 27, 2014, United KingdomStreet evangelist, Mike Overd, is being prosecuted for an alleged religious aggravation public order offence. The charges followed a complaint to police in Taunton, that Mike Overd made a comparison between the life of Jesus and the life of Mohammed, allegedly "causing offense."
Left Wing Activists Block Registered Pro-Family Demonstration in Vienna
June 14, 2014, AustriaOn June 14th, approximately 200 left wing activists hindered a pro-family demonstration of about 50 Christians to proceed on the registered route. After the police unsuccessfully tried to persuade the left wing activists to leave, they took their names. Five activists who refused to show their ID were briefly arrested.
Protests Against a Sexual Ethics Congress
May 22, 2014, GermanyThe association “White cross” (Weißes Kreuz) hosted a congress about sexual ethics between the 22nd and the 24th of May in Kassel, Germany. This congress was a target of strong general criticism, also by the representatives of the city of Kassel. Shortly before the start of the congress, the congress building was vandalized by red color paint as a symbol of disagreement.
Christian Conscientious Objectors to Morning-After-Pill Barred from Sexual Health Care Diploma
May 1, 2014, United KingdomBritish doctors and nurses who refuse to dispense the morning-after pill on grounds of conscience will be unable to receive a specialist diploma in sexual health care. Guidance issued by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare states that medical professionals who, for religious reasons, refuse to hand out "emergency" contraception cannot receive the qualification. The diploma is considered to represent the "gold standard" of sexual health care training.
Christian Worker in London Claims She was Fired for Refusing to Read Children’s Books About Gay Couples
April 30, 2014, United KingdomSarah Mbuyi, 30 year-old nursery worker from north London will bring her case to court as she claims she was fired on the grounds of her religious beliefs because she said that she would have scruples about reading children’s stories involving same-sex couples.
Article Questions Whether or Not Government in Ljubljana has Anti-Christian Agenda
April 22, 2014, SloveniaA group called KUL, founded in 2009 by Christian youth in Slovenia concerned with defending life and fundamental human rights, posted an article on their internet site on the 23rd of April, 2014 called, “Christianophobia: Is Mayor Zoran Janković violating human rights and promoting intolerance against Christians in Slovenia?” after Zoran Janković’s municipality had forbidden a mass to be celebrated for unborn babies at the hospital center of the public university of Ljubljana.
Swedish Nurse Fired for Refusing to Assist in Abortion
April 10, 2014, SwedenIn January 2014 a Swedish nurse has filed a complaint of religious discrimination with Sweden’s equality commission after the hospital where she interned as a midwife sacked her for refusing to assist in abortions. The Ombudsperson for Discrimination concluded that Mrs Grimmark has not been discriminated because her conscientious objection stood against the ”availability of abortion care” and the ”protection of health” of patients requiring abortion.
Attempts to Secularise the Church of Saint Catherine in Brussels
April 4, 2014, BelgiumA petition has been started by the “Friends of Saint Catherine” in Brussels to counteract the imminent cession of the church of Saint Catherine to the city. To add insult to injury, because the church is commercially very strategically placed, the state wishes to turn this place of worship into a place for selling fruits and vegetables even against the wishes of the locals.
Film Discussing the Problem of Pornography and Prostitution Canceled in Tours
March 29, 2014, FranceThe Cinéma National Populaire (CNP) canceled a showing and debate with the Swiss producer Philippe Decourroux on his DVD "Prostitution et pornographie, enjeu de société?" Which translated means, “Prostitution and Pornography, Concern of Society?” The producer denounced this move as anti-Christian. According to Decourroux, the CNP thought the film to be an attempt of Christian “proselytism”.
Archbishop of Cyprus Described As Homophobic And Racist
March 27, 2014, CyprusCyprus’ Archbishop Chrystostomos expressed his opinion about same-sex relationships at the Council of the Presidents of the Christian Orthodox Church held in Istanbul. He took a position against homosexuality by stating that governments demonstrated a „weakening of moral integrity“ by ensuring equal rights through civil partnership or equal marriage. A local NGO denounced his remarks „homophobic” and „racist”, not allowing for dialogue and respect for the archbishop's opinion.
Doctoral Student in the Netherlands Denied the Right to Thank God in His Thesis
March 25, 2014, NetherlandsDutch PhD student Jerke de Vries inserted a clause into his doctoral thesis in which he gave thanks to God. At the Wageningen University, religious statements are not allowed in theses unless they are the subject of research. Although De Vries’ thesis advisor was not so strict, the doctoral committee would not allow his thesis to pass unless he removed the phrase, leaving de Vries to cut out the page from over a hundred copies of his thesis which had already been printed.
Christian Demonstrations Violently Attacked by Left Wing Radicals in Baden-Württemberg and Cologne
March 23, 2014, GermanyA new governmental sex ed curriculum of Baden-Württemberg has caused outrage among Christian parents. Several manifestions suffered serious attacks by left wing activists which were later identified as LGBT activists. Eyewitnesses reported in shock to the Observatory.
Christian Claims he was Denied a Job at a Country House Hotel near Colchester on Account of His Faith
March 13, 2014, United KingdomGraphic designer Jamie Haxby was interviewed for a job at Prested Hall Hotel near Colchester in the United Kingdom. He says his interviewer, Celie Parker, asked him if he was Christian, to which he answered in the affirmative. On looking through his portfolio and seeing that he had done previous work with churches and Christian groups, she commented that she and other members of staff were atheists and that they could never work with a committed Christian. She is also reported to have apologized for wasting Haxby’s time.
Government Seems to Discriminate Against Religious Education
February 25, 2014, United KingdomThe failure of the government to provide bursaries for those wishing to teach Religious Education (RE) has been described as “rank discrimination” by a leading RE body. Childcare minister Elizabeth Truss MP confirmed this month that no bursaries would be offered for religious education teachers in training this year. This cut in the bursaries has made it increasingly difficult for those studying to teach RE.
Communist Candidate Wants to See Parish in Bordeaux Disappear
February 24, 2014, FranceVincent Maurin, a Communist candidate of the Left Front in the city of Bordeaux, not only opposed the opening of a Catholic School in a district of Bordeaux in December but in February the construction of a church in the same area also. A new election propaganda leaflet included a list of changes to be made in Bordeaux under Vincent Maurin, one item being the disappearance of the parish St. Eloi, which he described as a "stronghold of religious fundamentalism". The word "fundamentalism" is printed in red.
Member of European Parliament Seeks Exclusion of Christianity
February 20, 2014, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)Belgian socialist Member of the European Parliament, Veronique De Keyser called in an e-mail to all MEPs and all assistants for “general mobilisation against obscurantism”. With "Obscurantism" she seems to mean Christianity, as she continues to say: “A Europe which is open and respectful of all beliefs and philosophical convictions cannot be one that puts Christian roots to the forefront. This is not Europe! Europe is one of Enlightenment, a Europe of free thinking, a Europe of separation of state and church.”
Scottish Secularists Want to Curb Churches’ Role in Education
January 14, 2014, United KingdomSecularists in Scotland have called on the government to remove religious representatives from education committees. Under the Local Government Act 1973, local authority education committees are required to appoint three representatives from religious organisations and the Edinburgh Secular Society wants to see a change in the law.
Street Preacher Arrested for Mentioning "Sexual Sin" in Scotland
January 8, 2014, United KingdomTony Miano, a street preacher addressing lunchtime shoppers at Dundee High Street, Scotland, was arrested and held in custody to appear before the Dundee Sheriff Court. He was talking about “sexual sin” including “adultery, promiscuity and homosexual practice”. A woman called the police, who on arrival snatched away the camera of a friend who was filming the preaching and arrested the street preacher.
LGBT-Friendly Guidelines Limit Freedom of the Press
December 16, 2013, ItalyThe Italian National Anti-Discrimination Office published guidelines on how to report on LGTB issues. The guidelines restrict freedom of the press and journalists’ freedom of reporting by requiring, amongst other things, that they must positively promote homosexuality and gay marriage and must not speak of “the right of a child to a mother or father, e.g. a male or female role model”.
"Not a Christian, but a Free Hungary" Called For by Socialist Leader
December 10, 2013, HungaryDuring the party congress of the leftist Democratic Coalition (DK) of Hungary, former Socialist Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány stated that, in opposition to the present ruling cabinet, they wanted "not a Christian but a free Hungary“. The re-elected chairman of the Democratic Coalition added they did not think "glory belongs to God alone, but to man.”
Violence Against Peaceful Christian Manifestation
November 30, 2013, GermanyA Christian protest against the persecution of Christians was interrupted by Muslims in Cologne. The protesters were shouted at with insults. Microphones and loudspeakers damaged. Some individuals were personally attacked and hit. The police did not respond for a long time exposing the participants to serious risks. Only at the end, after an attack on a cameraman did the police take action.
Death Threat Against Catholic Priest Upon Marriage Referendum Endorsement
November 15, 2013, CroatiaDon Damir Stojić, a Croatian Salesian priest, released a youtube video explaining on the basis of John Paul II's theology of the body why Croatians should support the pro-marriage referendum taking place on December 1st. A youtube user commented with swear words and called on the public to kill Don Damir.
Cross on News Presenter's Neck Forbidden on Offending Islam Claims
November 12, 2013, NorwaySiv Kristin Sællmann, one of the best-known news presenters of the Norwegian television was forbidden to wear a small cross around her neck on air in order not to insult Islam.
Push to Eliminate the Christian Element of the Saint Martin Tradition in Nordrhein-Westfalen and Hessen
November 5, 2013, GermanyThe Chairman of the Left-wing party in the Nordrhein-Westfalen region, Rüdiger Sagel, suggested to rename the celebration and remove the religious overtones in the local day-care centres. “In many Nordrhein-Westfalen day-care centres there are an increasing number of children from different religions.” ... „”the day-care should be an interdenominational space,” says Sagel, and claims that the day-cares are influencing the children regarding their religion. After a storm of protests, the Left-wing party withdrew the suggestion.
Andalusia Discriminates against Teachers of Religion
October 22, 2013, SpainIn Andalusia, the Board of Education prohibits teachers of religion to watch students at recess. This is expressly due to the subject matter that they teach and not for economic reasons. The Centre for Religious Liberty and Conscience (OLRC), has asked the Ministry of Education to apologize for this discrimination and to allow teachers of religion to “practice their profession on equal footing with other teachers.”
St. Eulalia, Patroness of Madrid, Secularized
October 10, 2013, SpainAn initiative driven by Ignasi Ventura Diaz hopes to reinstate the cross symbol on images of St. Eulalia, patroness of Madrid. Currently, public images of the saint contain a young girl on an eagle instead of the traditional cross upon which the saint was crucified at the age of thirteen. Groups such as e-Christians wish for the City Council to acknowledge the Christian roots of St. Eulalia, currently called “La Laia”, a nickname which also hides the Christian roots of the city’s patroness.
Discrimination Against Religion Teachers on the Canary Islands
October 10, 2013, SpainReligion teachers on the Canary Islands are discriminated against, as they are not allowed to participate in extra activities, such as becoming a cycling coordinator or head teacher. This matter has been brought to court and is still pending. In the meantime, centers may choose according to their individual needs whether or not religion teachers may occupy such positions, but there is still discrimination occurring in some schools since such a decision is arbitrary and depends on the judgment of the inspectors.
Dublin Church Bells Silenced After 130 Years
September 21, 2013, IrelandDue to complaints, the clock and bells at the Church of St. Bartholomew, Dublin, Ireland are temporarily out of service. The church is required to find a solution to stop the bells from ringing at night, or they will have to be switched off permanently.
Berlin Bans Public Christmas Celebrations
September 3, 2013, GermanyBerlin politicians and officials of Berlin-Kreuzberg banned the celebration of Christmas in public places or roads, as well as decorations and Christmas fairs, in order not to discriminate against the Muslim minority. A tree may only be placed in specific places, previously assigned by the authorities.
Plan to Ditch God From National Anthem
August 13, 2013, SwitzerlandSwitzerland is holding a competition to rewrite its national anthem in 2014 because it currently focuses on God. Over £7,000 is being offered as a prize for rewriting the song, which is called the Swiss Psalm. Competitors are asked to include values from the Swiss constitution such as democracy and solidarity.
Street Preacher Arrested For Preaching on Sexual Morality
July 1, 2013, United KingdomThe police arrested a street preacher in Wimbledon under suspicion of offences under the Public Order Act. He had been speaking about sexual immorality in general and the importance to abstain from such practices.
Police Brutality Directed Against Pro-Family Demonstrators
June 26, 2013, FranceTear gas attacks and beatings by the police, arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, illegal finger print storing, and countless other human rights violations were conducted by the French police against a peaceful mass demonstration opposing government policy on gay marriage and adoption.
Insurance Company Refuses Youth Ministry on Confessional Grounds
June 22, 2013, FranceThe insurance company MAIF (Mutuelle Assurance Automobile des Instituteurs de France – Mutual Automobile Assurance of elementary school teachers of France) refused to cover “Le Foyer de Saint-Martin” (The House of Saint Martin) because the association has confessional roots.
German Publicists Suffer Defamatory Statements
June 10, 2013, GermanyBerger, chief editor of the gay magazine “Men”, said that some publicits made defamatory statements and should not be allowed on TV any more. He had labeled Gabriele Kuby, a Catholic German publicist and also Martin Lohmann, chief editor of the Catholic television channel K-TV, and Katherina Reiche, member of the German parliament, as “homophobic protagonists” and had demanded: “Homo-haters get out of the talk shows”. Gabriele Kuby renounced these false accusations and explicitly stated that she is not homophobic and that the term “homo-hater” was invented by the homo-lobby to criminalize critique of the “homosexual movement”.
Minister Calls Contribution of Church “Inacceptable and Dispensable” in Public Debate
June 4, 2013, AustriaIn the public debate on stepchild adoption for homosexual couples, Mrs. Gabriele Heinisch-Hosek, minister for women’s affairs, calls the contribution of the Catholic Church “inacceptable and dispensable”. In German: “Die Wortmeldungen aus Kirchenkreisen sind in diesem Zusammenhang inakzeptabel und entbehrlich."
French Minister of Education Wants to Replace Catholicism
May 31, 2013, FranceThe French minister Vincent Peillon wants to replace the Catholic faith by a “Republican religion”. “It is time to change that morality and spirituality have been determined by the Catholic Church”, a land of freedom would never be established when involving the Catholic Church, he said.
Witness Reports of Online Mobbing for Christian Positions
May 29, 2013, GermanyA 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.
Stickers Spread in Angers Saying "Catholicism – Enough Annoyance"
May 29, 2013, FranceCitizens of the French city of Angers are confronted with stickers on traffic signs saying: “CATHO RAS-LE-BOL” (=Catholicism – enough annoyance). The credit is claimed by a group called “Comité anti-Catholique Angevin” (= anti-Catholic committee of Angers).
References to Christmas to be Removed in Asturias
May 22, 2013, SpainThe Asturian regional government has sent a circular to schools asking for all references to Christmas to be removed from the school calendar and replaced with “winter holidays”.
Public Funding Restricted for Organisations with Christian Convictions
May 21, 2013, NetherlandsOrganisations 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.
Equality Act 2010 Causes Closure of Christian Businesses
May 21, 2013, United KingdomThe Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination on several grounds, including sexual orientation, in the area of the provision of goods and services. While there is a vital exemption to the general prohibition against discrimination for religious organisations when providing goods or services, this can only be relied upon in limited circumstances and is not wide enough to cover many situations.
State Educational Programme Angers Christian Parents
May 21, 2013, SpainSpanish educational law includes a set of mandatory subjects under the generic category of Education for Citizenship which are indoctrinatory and violates the rights of parents. The Education for Citizenship curriculum is mandatory for primary and secondary education (children ages 10-16), and must be implemented into all Spanish schools (public and private).
Province of Asturias Decides to Eliminate Religious Terms in Schools
May 20, 2013, SpainThe region’s education minister Doña Ana González Rodríguez asked the schools to remove the words Christmas and Easter from their calendars.
Numerous Human Rights Violations Against Pro-Family Demonstrators
April 23, 2013, FranceThe recent attacks on pro-family mass-demonstrations included: tear gas against children, overbearing police force, unconstitutional state action and human rights violations, death threats against organisers on social media and stabbing of a protester, as well as violations of freedom of assembly.
Archbishop of Brussels Andre Leonard Attacked
April 23, 2013, BelgiumFour activists of the feminist group Femen disturbed a conference at the university of Brussels. The topless women interrupted Archbishop André-Joseph Léonard's speech by throwing water out of Lourdes bottles at him. Screaming loudly they held up a poster "Stop Homophobia". On their bare chests they had written blasphemous comments.
Homosexual Activists David Berger Claims "Gay Haters Get Out of Talk Shows"
April 21, 2013, GermanyIn an appeal to the media in Germany, Mr Berger, writer and theologian, claims that people critical of the homosexual life style must not be allowed to voice their thoughts in talk shows any more. In the name of human dignity and human rights, critics ought to be silenced.
LGBT Activists Calls for Murder of Catholic Campaigner
April 14, 2013, FranceAt a radical LGBT manifestation in Lyon on Sunday, April 14, a participant held up a sign saying "Keep calm and kill Frigide Barjot". Comedian Barjot was the main person behind the pro-family mass demonstrations in France opposing same sex marriage and adoption.
Ban on Christian Teacher from Deptford Green School in London
April 12, 2013, United KingdomA classroom ban on a Christian school teacher who condemned the “homosexual lifestyle” in front of year 11 pupils aged 15 and 16, has been upheld by the High Court. Science teacher, Robert Haye’s appeal against the decision to ban him indefinitely was rejected by the judge. After telling his class that the way homosexual people lived was a “sin”, according to the bible, he was sacked and prohibited from teaching at any school.
Catholic Parish Targeted by Government
March 29, 2013, RussiaAs a consequence of a “foreign agents“ law that was signed by President Vladimir Putin last year, Russia caused headlines with its persistent attempt to crack down foreign funded non-governmental organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Transparency International. Now the latest reports state that the government has started targeting churches as well, e.g. fining a Catholic parish in Nowotscherkassk for 450,000 Rubles (11,200 Euros).
Reproach of Police Misconduct at Pro-Family-Manifestation
March 25, 2013, FranceFrench Christians launched a petition for the resignation of Manuel Valls, French Minister of the Interior, and Bernard Boucault, Prefect of Police, and to sanction all police staff who committed abuses against the peaceful demonstrators at the Pro-Family-demonstration "Manif pour tous" in Paris on Sunday 24th of March. According to the organisers, the number of protesters had been greatly underestimated by the police, and in order to try to contain the actual 1,4 million the police employed unnecessary forceful measures.
Christian Youth Foundation in Dordrecht Accuses Local Government of Anti-Christian Repression
March 22, 2013, NetherlandsA Christian foundation for working with youth surprisingly lost its license to serve coffee and soda on the grounds that the youth centre was a gastronomical enterprise running on deficit and other permits would be necessary for non-profit activities. This was perceived as a governmental anti-Christian repression and is now debated in court.
Pro-Life Women Attacked By Pro-Abortion Men at Manifestation
March 15, 2013, PolandMale pro-abortion protesters physically attacked several pro-life women, pushing and kicking them, during a rally on March 10th in Warsaw. The pro-lifers were part of the organisation Fundacja Pro and were carrying a controversial banner of a woman who died during an abortion.
University Assistant Professor Loses Job Due to Opposition to “Gay Marriage”
February 7, 2013, GermanyA Cologne university professor lost his job because he had spoken for Christian values and against “gay” marriages in a TV appearance. The university claimed that such views were not to be tolerated.
Anti-Christian Images and Posters at Pro-Gay Marriage Rally in Paris
January 27, 2013, FranceThe French gay activist lobby groups hosted a pro-gay marriage on the 27th of January. Unlike the pro-family rally of the 13th of January, whose posters and messages focused on images or phrases that reminded onlookers of the traditional family and of children’s need for a mother and father, the 27th of January demonstration signs were largely aimed at insulting Christians and the Pope. Some signs were calling for the “Pope to tie his own fallopian tubes.” Others called the Virgin Mary the first “surrogate mother”, while still others stated that gays were "less likely to harm children than priests".
British Airways Banned Employee from Wearing a Cross, ECHR Confirms a Violation of Freedom of Religion
January 15, 2013, United Kingdom(October 2006 - January 2013)In October 2006 an employee, Ms Eweida, was banned from wearing a cross on a necklace by British Airways, UK. Court ruling in January 2008 upheld prohibition for Christians, but not for other religions' symbols. On January 15th, 2013, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Ms Eweida's rights had been violated.
Bishop of Trieste Barricaded After Reiterating Church Teaching on Homosexuality in Church Newspaper
January 12, 2013, ItalyIn the January edition of the Diocesan newspaper, the Bishop of Trieste had published an article restating the Church’s teaching on homosexual unions. Because of this, on the 12th of January about two hundred homosexual activist demonstrated in front of his home effectively barricading him in for the afternoon.
French Government to “Dissolve Religious Pathology” and “Excesses” in the Church
January 6, 2013, FranceInstead of tackling the enormous number of anti-Christian vandalisms, President Hollande announced 'the National Observatory of Secularism' to come into being this year, tasked with closely monitoring religious organisations for any potential 'excesses'. French Interior Minister Manuel Valls highlighted various Catholic organisations, stating that "All excesses are being minutely registered in case we have to consider dissolving it."
TV Host Suspended for Critical Show on Government's Sex Ed Programme
January 1, 2013, CroatiaMs Karolina Vidović-Krišto, a well-respected journalist with HRT/HTV, was the editor and host of a popular program “Slika Hrvatske”, produced specifically for Croatians living overseas. She was suspended after editing and hosting a show which criticised the government's sex ed programme on December 29, 2012.
Pride Parade Hurts Christians' Religious Feelings
December 25, 2012, SloveniaDuring the Ljubljana Gay Pride Parade 2012 the protestors for „a proud LGBT community“ carried signs which hurt the religious feelings of Christians: One image satirically said "let us return to the middle ages" showing a pope-like figure cutting apart a rainbow flag. The other one read: "even Jesus had two fathers". Furthermore, the Observatory was told by the organizers of the Iskreni Festival (clf. a pro family event), that Slovenian LGBT lobby organisations attacked their work massively. They tried to pressure benefactors of the festival into seizing any financial support due to the Iskreni Festival's pro life and pro family orientation.
Insults and Removal Claims for Crucifix in Federal German Minister for Consumer Protection
December 15, 2012, GermanyCalls to remove the cross from the Federal German Minister for Consumer Protection argue that the public display of the crucifix was no surprise in an arm-exporting country - "because the crucifix was a pungent glorification of violence and an learning tool towards anti-Semitism."
Restitution of Property to Catholic Church in Czech Republic Accompanied with Dirt Campaign Against the Church
November 29, 2012, Czech RepublicA controversial campaign by the oppositional Social Democrats directed against the Church Property Restitution Bill has turned into a major brawl with Czech Catholics and other churches.
EU Attempted to Remove Christian Symbols of Commemorative Coin
November 29, 2012, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)The National Bank of Slovakia announced that the European Commission, the union’s executive arm, had ordered it to remove halos and crosses from special commemorative euro coins. The European Union finally gave in- the coins are to be minted as planned.
Brussels Bans Annual Christmas Tree Display As It May Offend Muslims
November 19, 2012, BelgiumGovernment officials in Brussels banned the Christmas tree in the city center out of concerns that the local Muslim population might find it “offensive.” An “electronic winter tree,” will take the place of the traditional Christmas Tree and Nativity scene at the city center of Grand Place. Citizens protested.
New Legislation on Gay Marriage Might Get Teachers Fired
November 18, 2012, United KingdomThe British Parliamentary Undersecretary of State, Liz Truss, states she was not able to rule out the possibility that teachers refusing to use stories or textbooks favoring same sex- marriage face disciplinary consequences.