Activities
Switzerland Votes to Expand Hate Crime Law
February 9, 2020, SwitzerlandOn February 9, 2020, Swiss voters approved the addition of sexual orientation to the existing anti-discrimination legislation to the penal code. Christian groups have called the expansion of the hate crime law to include sexual orientation "superfluous," noting that existing laws offered sufficient protection and that the new law could be used to attack religious freedom, freedom of speech, and freedom of conscience.
Observatory in the News: Headlines & Links
January 28, 2020, International
German Pharmacist's right to act in line with conscience affirmed in landmark court trial
January 16, 2020, GermanyAre pharmacists allowed to act in accordance with their conscience? In Berlin, a pharmacist who would not sell the ‘morning-after-pill’ for conscience reasons has recently faced legal proceedings initiated by the Berlin Chamber of Pharmacists. For the first time, a German court ruled on this matter and upheld his right to act in accordance with his conscience regarding the sale of certain products. The Pharmacists’ Chamber may still appeal against the decision with the appeal period due to expire on 20 January. ADF International supported the pharmacist in this case.
Newsletter: Germany must do more to protect Christian converts
October 31, 2019, Germany
May Newsletter: Official figures for France; Persecuted Christians Worldwide; Attack in Rome
May 9, 2019, France; International; Italy; Scotland/UK
March Newsletter: Officials in UK and Sweden use Bible Passages to Reject Asylum Claims
March 26, 2019, United Kingdom / Sweden
Court Rules in Favor of Seventh-Day Adventist; Requires Reasonable Accommodation
March 18, 2019, Denmark
Bishops in Scotland say Hate Crime Laws Must Allow for Robust Debate
February 28, 2019, Scotland, United Kingdom
February Newsletter: Vandalism and Desecration of French Churches
February 13, 2019, France