All cases
Church in Moselle Ransacked by Unknown Group
June 14, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators are said to have devastated the interior in the chapel of Our Lady of Deliverance in Moselle on 14 June. It has been reported that a crucifix and statues were toppled over and thrown to the ground as well as flowers and chairs. A resident observed that a van parked in front of the chapel for 15 minutes. A complaint has been lodged and the chapel cleaned.
Excrement Smeared on Church Handles
June 14, 2021, ItalyAn unknown person smeared dung onto the handles of the Church San Carlo in Muggiò on the week of the 14. June. Father Angelo Rivas talked about these incidents, after a week later, the same church was victim of an arson attack.
Gun Fired During Church Service in Dammarie-les-Lys
June 13, 2021, FranceDuring a church service in France, two young people aged 21 are said to have fired several shots. It has been reported that the two perpetrators used a double-barrelled 16-gauge shotgun and a machete. The incident happened 13 June around 8.30 a.m. during a quarrel with evangelical worshippers. Police apprehended the two men who fled the scene and sought refuge in a nearby grocery store. The exact circumstances of the shootings are yet to be determined. No casualty has been reported, police are investigating.
Court in UK Rules: Belief in Biological Sex Protected under Equality Act
June 11, 2021, United KingdomMaya Forstater, a tax consultant, tweeted that biology determines whether one is male or female. As result, she lost her job. An employment tribunal ruled the former tax consultant had not been treated unlawfully as 'gender critical' beliefs were not protected by law. Lawyer Mr Justice Chodhury took the case to court pointing at the Equality Act 2010. In a second Tribunal hearing, the judge ruled that Forstater's view is indeed protected by law.
Church Theft in Krakow Leaves Community in Shock
June 11, 2021, PolandUnknown perpetrators have stolen relics from the Saint Joseph's parish in Krakow. The incident happened between 10 and 11 June. The parish reported the incident and shared it on their social media, stating "the relics of St. Brother Albert were stolen from our Sanctuary! They were located in the altar of the Apostles of Mercy. Please share this news". The priests are asking the public for any information.
Church and Rectory Repeatedly Vandalised, Mayor Refuses to Report Case
June 11, 2021, ItalyA group of teenage boys is alleged to have been repeatedly attacking the parish priest's house, which also functions as the churche's rectory, next to the parish church of Santa Marta. Although the boys have been identified the local mayor refuses to report them. The group of boys keeps vandalising the parish and the parish priests house by throwing rubbish and cans onto the house and removing plasters from the church. The Mayor is planning on setting up signs forbidding the young boys to climb onto public property and vandalism.
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.