All cases

Christian Fostercare and Adoption Agency Sues UK

June 29, 2021, United Kingdom

Cornerstone Adoption and Fostering Service is appealing a court decision. After the High Court decided the evangelical Christian fostering agency had to change its policy regarding the placement of children with exclusively heterosexual married couples. QC lawyer Aiden O'Neill is now supporting the adoption agency and stated the ruling to be "incoherent". QC lawyer Sir James Eadie, who is representing Ofsted, cannot find such inconsistencies in the Judge's ruling.

Spain: New Transgender Law Passed Council of Ministers

June 29, 2021, Spain

On 29 June, the Spanish government voted to approve a draft law about gender self-determination. The approval of the drafted law received opposition since it blurs the concept of biological sex. Another aspect highly criticised in the draft law is the interference with "parental guardianship". Although it passed the Council of Ministers the draft law has yet to pass the parliament to be added to the already existing law surrounding LGBT+. Changes to the draft law could happen.

Christian Arrested For 'Importing' Bibles to Norther Cyprus

June 27, 2021, Cyprus

In January 2021, police raided the home of Christian worker Ryan Keating in Northern Cyprus. He is accused of illegally importing more than 20 books related to Christianity, including the Bible. He is expected to appear in court for the first hearing in July. The US Embassy fears for Keating's wellbeing, who pleads not guilty to the charges raised against him.

Christian Politician, Carol Monaghan, Received Death Threats

June 26, 2021, United Kingdom

Scottish MP Carol Monaghan and her family had to be shielded in a police car and were brought to a safe house, after she experienced online abuse and a death threat via phone call. In a BBC interview, Monaghan (48) stated she received a series of offensive tweets followed by messages referencing to her murdered colleague MP Jo Cox. Apart from the online abuse Ms Monaghan also had to endure that her constituency office in Patrick was targeted and its windows smashed and office front splattered with ketchup, to appear like blood. Her stalker, 35-year-old Jonathan Bell, confessed in Court to the harassment and is now facing a prison sentence.

Censorship Zones Amendment Dropt

June 26, 2021, United Kingdom

An amendment aiming to criminalize Pro-Life organisations for offering prayer, assistance and counselling to women outside of abortion clinics across England and Wales has been dropped by a Labour MP. The amendment brought in by Dr Rupa Huq sought to introduce censorship zones around abortion clinics nationwide and to penalize pro-Lifers with a prison sentence of up to two years if they continued their service. Huq's Bill failed at the committee stage since the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill have withdrawn from the amendment. UK's Right to Life Group fears the amendment will be tabled again.

Unlawfully Arrested Street Preacher Wins In Court

June 25, 2021, United Kingdom

David McConnell was wrongfully arrested for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and now won in court, he will receive a compensation of £4,500. McConnell claimed for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and breach of human rights. According to the Christian Institute (CI), Mr McConnell was held for about six hours until a desk sergeant who listened to a recording of McConnell's speech released him without charge. The incident happened in December of 2019, in Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, where David McConnell was publicly preaching on the street to a crowd of 50 before the police arrived and arrested him for an alleged “hate-related public order offence” and “for preaching on gay rights and abortion”.

EU Parliament Passed Matić Report Threatening Freedom of Conscience and Parental Rights

June 24, 2021, Belgium

The majority of the Parliament of the European Union voted in favour of the Matić Report on 24 June, which makes abortion a human right, denies the rights to contentious objection and demands a LGBTQ+ inclusive sex and relationship education. The report formulates the human right of conscientious objection as "denial of medical care". Critics are also concerned about the potential meaning of the adoption of the report for sexual and relationship education at schools, as it would frame abortion as a form of reproductive health for women and normalise LGBTQ+ relationships.These teachings will most likely collide with the Parental Rights of European Christians and the national competency in this policy field of member states.

Cemetery in Saint-Aubind du Cormier Damaged by Unknown Perpetrators

June 23, 2021, France

Unknown perpetrators damaged the cemetery of the town of Saint-Aubin du Cormier, located east of Rennes. The municipality is now asking the public for information and is requesting any witnesses to come forward. The perpetrators broke several headstones and funeral plaques. It has been reported that the incident must have happened sometime between 23 and 24 June. The police are investigating.

Under Investigation: Pastor Accused of Intolerance against BLM Movement is Facing Trial

June 21, 2021, United Kingdom

In Northern Ireland (NI) a pastor is facing prosecution over a video he, himself published. In the said video he is questioning some actions of the supporters of the Black Live Matter (BLM) Movement. The pastor is accused of having stated racist statements. A final decision is expected by the end of June.

Arson at Church in Muggiò: Second Attack in One Week

June 21, 2021, Italy

For the second time in one week, an unknown person attacked the church of San Carlo in Muggiò. At the first attack, the person smeared dung onto the handles and at the second attack, he set fire to the main wooden door of the church. The incident was caught on cameras, which revealed that the incident happened at around 4.30 a.m. It furthermore reveals that one person is responsible for the small fire that was fortunately extinguished shortly after it started. The attack was reported to the police by Don Angelo Riva, a friend of the parish priest. It is unclear whether the one responsible for the fire is also accountable for the smearing. Police are investigating.