All cases
Newly Proposed Legislation Would Criminalise Pro-Life Support Around Abortion Clinics
June 11, 2021, SpainA new legislation has been presented to Spain's lower house. The new law would create "buffer zones" around abortion facilities. Proposed on 21 May by the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) to the Congress of Deputies, the law aims to penalize anyone who “harasses or restricts the freedom of a woman who intends to exercise her right to abortion". The buffer zones would prevent any kind of pro-life campaigning or support in the area. The bill is to be voted upon.
Edinburgh Council Fined for Cancelling Christian Conference over Religious Beliefs of Guest Speaker
June 10, 2021, United KingdomThe city of Edinburgh Council has apologized after violating church rights and paid £25,000 in damages caused by their action. They cancelled a Christian three-day conference after a complaint regarding the religious beliefs held guest speaker Larry Stockstill. A court ruled, that they violated the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010. The council acknowledged that it "failed to meet its equalities duties to Destiny Ministries in terms of the Equality Act 2010 and therefore acted unlawfully."
Christians Afraid of 'Disciplinary Measures' at Polands Universities
June 10, 2021, PolandPolands Government wants to protect Christian values at their Universities. Przemyslaw Czarnek the Minister of Education and Science wants to stop hostilities towards Christians at Universities, especially since the fear of "disciplinary measures because of alleged discrimination against non-Christians" is spreading amongst the Christian Community. The Polish Government wants to guarantee that freedom of speech, teaching and scientific research are maintained. The so-called academic freedom package is to be discussed this week.
Final Ruling Expected in Pro-Life Ads Censorship Case
June 9, 2021, SloveniaIn 2018 a state-owned bus company removed advertisements from the pro-life NGO Zavod ŽIV!M on the grounds of them being "intolerant". Although the NGO signed a contract with the company allowing them to display their ads for several months, the company took them down just after a little more than a week. On the ads the messages "We love Life!", "You are not alone", "Step out of Silence" and "I mourn my child", were accompanied by pictures of a happy family, a grieving mother and a woman holding a pregnancy test. In a first ruling the Slovenian equality body called "Advocate of the Principle of Equality" found the company to have acted discriminately towards the NGO. The company challenged the ruling, an outcome is expected in June.
Teenagers Between 11 and 15 Vandalized Two Churches in Bad Griesbach
June 9, 2021, GermanyFour offenders, ranging from 11 to 15 years old, seriously vandalized the churches of Maria Schutz on Kronberg and the church on Schlossberg. They damaged several candles, the organ, and some church figures; as well as emptying a fire extinguisher in the church. The property damage was around 50,000 euros.
Church Ransacked in France
June 8, 2021, FranceThe roman catholic church of Tasque in the Gers has been ransacked at the end of May after its recent reopening. The church finished restoration works a few days earlier. Tourists visiting the church noticed the damage in early June. Unknown perpetrators have desecrated the altar through inscriptions, they also damaged the chandeliers, as well as furniture and several statues. Locals informed the authorities, it is thought that the local "youths" is to blame for this.
Church Door in Tafalla Vandalised with Cement
June 7, 2021, SpainThe Church of Santa María de Tafalla in Spain has fallen victim to an act of vandalism. Unknown perpetrators have knocked down the fences attached to the parish and thrown a sack of cement over the door of the church. The attack is thought to have taken place sometime between Saturday afternoon and Sunday Morning. Alfredo Ondarra, head of the Tafalla Municipal Police, said that his team is looking for the culprit.
Cemetery Repeatedly Desecrated in France
June 7, 2021, FranceA cemetery in France has been repeatedly vandalised. Unknown perpetrators are said to have stolen different objects and flowers from the graves in Laneuveville-devant-Nancy. The thefts started to occur in May and have since become regular. A complaint has already been filed. The police are investigating.
18 Cemetery Iron Crosses Stolen and Vandalized
June 6, 2021, FranceBetween 6 and 9 June, the cemetery of Genêts was vandalized and looted. A total of 18 cast iron crosses were stolen, and their foot broken. 18 graves were ransacked and 17 cast iron crosses were stolen. The Crosses were broken, cut into pieces and sometimes abandoned on the spot. An investigation of gendarmerie is in progress.
Totem Dedicated to Our Lady in Sorso Destroyed
June 6, 2021, ItalyOn the 6th June it was reported that a Totem with a Marian depiction was vandalized during the night in Sorso‘s Capuchin Street. It belongs to an installation dedicated to Our Lady "Noli Me Tollere", near to the church of Santa Croce. The incident was investigated by law enforcement officials.