Activities

German Pharmacist's right to act in line with conscience affirmed in landmark court trial

Are 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.

Switzerland to Hold Referendum on Expanded Hate Crime Law

On February 9, 2020, Swiss voters will have the opportunity to reject the changes to the penal code approved by the Parliament in 2019. 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

Newsletter: Germany must do more to protect Christian converts

May Newsletter: Official figures for France; Persecuted Christians Worldwide; Attack in Rome

March Newsletter: Officials in UK and Sweden use Bible Passages to Reject Asylum Claims

Court Rules in Favor of Seventh-Day Adventist; Requires Reasonable Accommodation

Bishops in Scotland say Hate Crime Laws Must Allow for Robust Debate

February Newsletter: Vandalism and Desecration of French Churches

European Parliament: EU Should Better Promote and Protect Global Religious Freedom