All cases
Crucifixes and Religious Symbols Removed from San Juan de la Cruz School in Jaen
May 31, 2006, SpainAfter receiving a formal claim from the Ombudsman Jose Chamizo, the Council of Andalucia requested the Department of Education to remove crucifixes and other religious symbols from San Juan de la Cruz of Baeza school in Jaén. According to the media, only one parent had complaint to the Ombudsman to remove the crucifixes displayed in the classrooms.
Christian Church Leader Imprisoned for Organizing Bible Study
March 30, 2006, BelarusSergei Shavtsov was arrested and jailed for 10 days for organizing a meeting on Christian history and Bible issues without an official permit.
Christian Couple Interrogated on Their Christian Convictions
March 19, 2006, United KingdomThe retired couple Joe and Helen Roberts were interrogated by police officers after they complained about their local council's gay rights policy on the grounds of their Christian belief that homosexual practices are morally wrong.
Government Officials Threat to Boycott Spanish Budget to Defund Catholic Church
January 16, 2006, SpainMembers of the socialist party said that they would vote against the National Spanish Budget as long as the government continues the provision of funds to the Catholic Church. During an interview broadcast by the media Ser, MP Victorino Mayoral, a socialist representative, claimed that the Catholic Church funding is "dubious, not to mention unconstitutional". Mayoral says that the secular government of Spain cannot afford the funding of a religious organizations that "revives Franco's times“.
MSP Patrick Harvie Reports Archbishop to the Police for Defending Marriage
January 13, 2006, United KingdomMember of the Scottish Parliament asked Strathclyde Police to investigate remarks made by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow. The Archbishop had defended the institution of marriage in a church service.
Religious Persecution Through Bureaucratic Obstacles
January 1, 2006, Russia(ongoing) Visa difficulties for religious personel; police failure to protect the faithful; administrational obstacles prevent religious services.
Several Cases of Discrimination of and Violence against Christians
January 1, 2006, Turkey(2000-2006) Several instances recorded. Christians faced violence including murders, threats, vandalisations and administrational difficulties.
Catholic Church Targeted by Government Representatives
July 18, 2005, SpainThe Spanish Socialist Youth political wing (JSE) has requested the government to appoint a commission to review the agreements between Spain and the Holy See. The JSE General Secretary and speaker, Herick Campos, emphasized the need to put the Catholic Church "in its place, without any privileges because the Catholic hierarchy has abused of its condition of majority to influence government affairs, specially in issues related to education and finance".
Spanish Officer Considers Catholic Teaching on Sexuality a Case of "Bad Education"
June 30, 2005, SpainThe official speaker for the PSOE on issues related to Education, Adolfo Navarro, has requested the intervention of the Education Council to reprimand another case of "bad education". The complaint submitted by Navarro refers to some material facilitated by the Ethics Professor of two students from Colegio de Jesus who requested it. The material contains traditional Catholic teachings on sexuality. Navarro says the material "only promotes homophobia and ignorance".
Calvinist University Sued for Dismissing Student Involved in Homosexual Promotion
June 15, 2005, HungaryKaroli Gaspar Calvinist University in Budapest was sued by the Hatter Support Group for Gays and Lesbians after the University had dismissed a student who was involved in promotion of homosexuality. The university declared that the religious school cannot let, conduct and promote homosexuality, because it is against its morals, beliefs and the way of teaching.
Notre Dame Cathedral Seized, Priest Hurt, Gay Mock Wedding Performed
June 5, 2005, FranceOn Sunday June 5th, priest Monsignor Patrick Jacquin was hurt in Notre Dame Cathedral when about twenty members of the association ‘Act Up’ burst into the cathedral, defying the security personnel, in order to perform a mock marriage of two lesbians.
Spanish Officer Calls the Catholic Church a "Public Enemy"
January 30, 2005, SpainThe former Spanish ambassador to the Holy See, Gonzalo Puente Ojea, affirmed that the Catholic Church is a public enemy nowadays. In the view of Puente Ojea, the Church is used to a privilege treatment and its bellicose tone towards the Spanish government is part of a power game.
Member of Parliament Sued for "Homophobic Insults"
January 26, 2005, FranceFrench member of parliament, Christian Vanneste, sentenced to payments for "homophobic insults"; three years later acquitted by last juridical instance.
Staff Sacked after Refusing Sunday Work
February 1, 2004, United KingdomStaff sacked after refusing Sunday work.
Christian Groups Listed as "Dangerous Sects"
January 1, 2004, France(1996 - 2005) Legal developments put religious freedom at risk. Christian groups listed as dangerous sects. State power to interfere with religious exercise established by law.
Pastor Charged for Preaching on Homosexuality
June 20, 2003, SwedenPastor Ake Green charged with committing a "hate crime" for preaching a sermon on homosexuality in Borghold.
Law Criminalizes Elements of Christianity
December 31, 2002, SwedenNew law prohibits criticism of homosexuality and makes biblical applications to today a criminal offence.
Preacher Arrested For Public Order Offence
April 1, 2002, United Kingdom(October 2001-April 2002) Evangelical preacher arrested and fined for displaying a sign in public saying ‘Stop Immorality’.
Suspect Treatment of Christian Communities
February 1, 2002, BelgiumChristian groups qualified as sects. Volunteers detained.
Conscientious Objection Denied
January 1, 1996, United Kingdom(1995/1996) Several instances have been collected in which staff were denied the right to conscientious objection and lost their jobs.