All cases
Archbishop Disinvited from Elementary School Pre-Christmas Visit
December 2, 2015, ItalySchool officials point to respect for the "multicultural character" of their student body as the reason.
Religious Images Prohibited in School Christmas Card Contest
December 2, 2015, SpainThe prohibition was imposed by a secular parents' association in Cantabria (Cantabria FAPA) when they announced the annual card-drawing contest.
Lord's Prayer Advertisement Produced by JustPray.uk Banned in Cinemas
November 23, 2015, United KingdomThe advertisement shows the Lord’s Prayer being recited by a members of the public ranging from bodybuilders to children.
City Reduces Funding for Holy Week and Refuses to Fund to Corpus Christi
November 23, 2015, SpainThe Department of Culture in Palma de Mallorca has reduced municipal funding for events during the week leading up to Easter (known as “Holy Week” or “Semana Santa”, famous for grand processions) to just 3.000 euros, and has not allocated any funding to the important Catholic feast of Corpus Christi (known simply as “Corpus”).
Arrests in Counter-Demonstration during Students for Life Procession
November 14, 2015, AustriaThe march against abortion by more than 100 participants in Innsbruck was disrupted by counter-demonstrators.
Association of French Mayors Recommend Against Nativity Scenes on Public Property
November 13, 2015, FranceThe Association issued a "good secular conduct" handbook to local town officials to assist them in their decision-making about the installation of crèche and nativity displays.
Tasmania's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner to Investigate Catholic Church's Marriage Pamphlet
November 12, 2015, OtherTransgender politician, Martine Delaney, lodged an anti-discrimination complaint in September and on November 12, the commissioner announced it will begin investigation.
City of Toronto Threatened with Lawsuit after Banning Christian Music Festival
November 3, 2015, OtherThe City of Toronto is being threatened with legal action for refusing to grant a Christian group a permit to use a prominent downtown square for its annual musical festival next year, all because the city determined that singing the name of Jesus in the public venue contravenes city policy against “proselytizing.”
Two French Evangelicals Convicted for Leaflet on Faith and Homosexuality
November 2, 2015, FranceThe correctional court of Angoulême (Bordeaux) convicted two men of “incitement to discrimination against a group of persons because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Prison Minister Fired for Preaching "Homophobic" Bible Verses
October 31, 2015, United KingdomReverend Barry Trayhorn, volunteering as a chaplain at a prison for sex offenders, recited verses from Corinthians which include homosexuality in a long list of sins, along with adultery, theft and drunkenness during a service.
Case update: Christian Punished for Praying with Colleague Allowed to Appeal
October 8, 2015, United KingdomA Christian disciplined by an NHS trust for praying with a colleague has won permission to appeal an employment tribunal’s decision against her.
Counter-Demonstrators Attempt to Block Berlin’s March for Life
September 19, 2015, GermanyMore than 7,000 pro-life demonstrators took part in the March for Life 2015 in Berlin. About 300 of a total of 1500 counter-demonstrators attempted to block the march. Between these groups stood as many as 1,000 police officers.
British "Values Monitor" Says Opposing Homosexuality Could Be a Crime
September 18, 2015, United KingdomVoicing criticism of homosexuality “might be breaking the law”, a British values monitor claimed.
Swiss Evangelical Party's Office Attacked for Supporting Pro-Life Demonstration
September 16, 2015, SwitzerlandThe Zurich offices of the Swiss Evangelische Volkspartei (EVP) as well as the Swiss Evangelical Alliance and humanitarian organisations Tearfund and Opportunity were attacked by vandals.
German Left Threatens to Disrupt the "March For Life"
September 8, 2015, GermanyThe German left political party (Die Linke) is organising to disrupt the annual German "March for Life" for the protection of the unborn, the sick, and the aged that will take place in Berlin on the 19th of September. In response, the German Association for Christian Culture (Deutsche Vereinigung für eine christliche Kultur) responded that by doing so, Die Linke is threatening to infringe upon the rights to freedom of assembly and expression and noting that the law recognizes the basic human right to life from the moment of conception.
Kindergarten Teacher Fired for Explaining Christmas Story
August 21, 2015, AustriaA city-run kindergarten in Vienna has fired a teacher because she “violated the kindergarten’s neutral stance on religion” by explaining that on Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This was in response to the children's questions about the holiday. In the letter informing the teacher of the school board’s decision to fire her, one reads that city-run kindergartens “accompany children of diverse religious faiths as well as without religious faith; therefore the religious meanings of traditional feasts are not mentioned and must instead be replaced by other content (for example during advent by themes such as ‘family’, ‘friendship’, or ‘community’). You have not followed this approach, but instead informed the children several times … about the Christian meaning of Christmas”. The teacher explains, "I have answered only the questions of the children . . . I am a Christian, but not a religion teacher."
Silent National Christian-Inspired Protest Mocked By Opponents
May 24, 2015, ItalyOn 24th of May 2015, an Italian network called Sentinelle in piedi ("Standing Watchmen“) organized a protest against the proposed draft laws on "homophobia" and same-sex unions and expressed their dissenting views by standing for an hour in silence at over 100 public squares all over Italy. The reason for that is the belief that new laws, if approved, would curtail freedom of speech for Christians. Opponents used offensive slogans and provocative gestures, including simulating homosexual acts. The participants of the Sentinelle in piedi were partly hindered by the protests. Opponents were mostly LGBT activists.
Disruption, Threats, and Insults at a Catholic Procession
May 14, 2015, ItalyA group of Muslims disrupted a Catholic procession in the Italian municipality of Conselice which was held in honour of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Reportedly seeing the procession as provocation, the group started to threathen and insult Catholics and claimed that the procession offended Islam. Participants were scared and shocked by this aggression.
Attack at Marriage Referendum Event Causes Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction
May 13, 2015, IrelandA 10-year-old girl suffered a severe allergic reaction after an egg attack at a "No-Campaign" event in Meath, Ireland. "Yes-Campaigners" threw objects, including eggs, at people who were expressing opposition to same-sex marriage. "No-Campaign" leader Mr. Manning said that the atmposphere created by "Yes-Campaigners" was "toxic”.
Pro-Marriage Posters Removed
May 1, 2015, IrelandMothers and Fathers Matter, a group that urged people to vote “No” in May’s gay marriage referendum in Ireland, said there was a campaign of harassment and intimidation from those on the “Yes” side of the debate. Posters were torn and removed in Dublin and elsewhere at the beginning of May 2015. Pictures of this act have been celebrated as an "act of bravery" on social media.
Hacker Attacks Vatican Website
April 16, 2015, InternationalTwice in one week, the Vatican website was partly inaccessible due to attacks from hackers. On Twitter someone named "Turk Hack Team Herakles" claimed responsibility, saying he would continue until the pope apologized for referring to a Turkish genocide against Armenians 100 years ago.
Employment Tribunal Hears Christian Educator "Rightly" Dismissed for Faith
March 5, 2015, United KingdomChristian nursery educator, Sarah Mbuyi, was dismissed from her job after "gross misconduct" for saying that marriage is an institution between one man and one woman in conversation with a colleague. In an employment tribunal hearing, witnesses testified that Christian views on the topic should not be expressed in the workplace.
Journalists’ Association Displays Anti-Christian Bias
January 10, 2015, CroatiaA Croatian journalist was reprimanded by her professional association for calling abortion murder in an online article. While anti-Christian expressions are generally accepted as "a matter of style“, her Christian-inspired opinion was not tolerated.
Priest Hospitalized After Attack During Silent Pro-Family Manifestation in Rovereto
October 5, 2014, ItalyOn Sunday, 5th of October, silent demonstrations against “gay marriage” took place throughout Italy under the name “standing sentinels” (“Sentinelle in Piedi”). During the gathering in Rovereto a group of anarchists demanded that the Sentinels leave and started to attack them. Two people, a priest and a young woman, had to been taken to hospital.
Attack on Pro-Life Activist during Anti-Concordat Demonstration in Zagreb
September 20, 2014, CroatiaDuring an anti-concordat demonstration organized by the non-governmental organization „The Voice of Reason - A Movement for a Secular Croatia“ on the Flower Square in Zagreb, a counter demonstrator was attacked. Mrs. Ružica Ćavar, who is the President of the Croatian Pro-Life Movement, was carrying a poster expressing her opposition. A man attacked and injured Mrs. Ćavar so that she had to be transported to the hospital for medical treatment. The police arrested the attacker.
US Teacher Documents 300 Cases of Anti-Christian Acts by Gay Activists
July 1, 2014, InternationalRobert Oscar Lopez, a teacher for Literature and Classics in Los Angeles, documented 300 cases of overboarding responses of gay activists to opponents. These incidents mainly took place in Europe and the US. Some are directed against Christians, others are more of a political nature. Some cases might seem self-inflicted, many do not.
Police Advice: Record Christian Street Preacher To Sue Them
June 30, 2014, United KingdomPolice advice people to record a Christian street preacher Mr Michael Overd on a video if he makes offensive remarks as some passers-by in High Street were upset when he expressed his views about homosexuality and sex outside marriage.
Street Evangelist Tried for Talking about the Live of Mohammed in Taunton
June 27, 2014, United KingdomStreet evangelist, Mike Overd, is being prosecuted for an alleged religious aggravation public order offence. The charges followed a complaint to police in Taunton, that Mike Overd made a comparison between the life of Jesus and the life of Mohammed, allegedly "causing offense."
Christian Worker in London Claims She was Fired for Refusing to Read Children’s Books About Gay Couples
April 30, 2014, United KingdomSarah Mbuyi, 30 year-old nursery worker from north London will bring her case to court as she claims she was fired on the grounds of her religious beliefs because she said that she would have scruples about reading children’s stories involving same-sex couples.
Disney Excludes the Name of God in Movies
April 25, 2014, InternationalIn an interview on a National Public Radio program called Fresh Air, one of the Oscar-winning songwriters of Let It Go, from Disney’s film Frozen, said that "one of the only places you have to draw the line at Disney is with religious things, the word God." According to The Guardian, “Lopez went on to say: ‘You can say it in Disney but you can't put it in the movie.’”
Catholic Lay Blog Attacked
April 18, 2014, FranceThe Catholic lay blog “Le Salon Beige” was put out of order by attacks against the server from an unknown source. This happened three times in four days, one time on Good Friday, the other times on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
Local Priest in Trèbes Reproached for Wearing a Cross
April 1, 2014, FranceOne of the officials working at a voting station in the town of Trèbes, France, reproached the local parish priest for wearing a cross around his neck saying that it was too ostensible a sign of religious adherence.
Film Discussing the Problem of Pornography and Prostitution Canceled in Tours
March 29, 2014, FranceThe Cinéma National Populaire (CNP) canceled a showing and debate with the Swiss producer Philippe Decourroux on his DVD "Prostitution et pornographie, enjeu de société?" Which translated means, “Prostitution and Pornography, Concern of Society?” The producer denounced this move as anti-Christian. According to Decourroux, the CNP thought the film to be an attempt of Christian “proselytism”.
Hate Mail Received for Disagreeing with Same-Sex Marriage
February 12, 2014, IrelandBreda O’Brien, an Irish teacher, journalist and pro-life feminist has been receiving hate mail from people because of an article she wrote disagreeing with same-sex marriage and discussing homophobia and liberal intolerance.
Elderly Street Preacher Falsely Arrested and Assaulted by Police
February 11, 2014, United Kingdom73-year-old Bill Edwards was ordered by a police constable to stop preaching outside the Magistrates Court House in Banbury as some people in the building found his preaching “offensive”. He refused to move and was arrested and charged with assault and breach of peace. In the police station Mr Edwards was grabbed by six officers and pinned to the ground.
Street Preacher Arrested for Mentioning "Sexual Sin" in Scotland
January 8, 2014, United KingdomTony Miano, a street preacher addressing lunchtime shoppers at Dundee High Street, Scotland, was arrested and held in custody to appear before the Dundee Sheriff Court. He was talking about “sexual sin” including “adultery, promiscuity and homosexual practice”. A woman called the police, who on arrival snatched away the camera of a friend who was filming the preaching and arrested the street preacher.
LGBT-Friendly Guidelines Limit Freedom of the Press
December 16, 2013, ItalyThe Italian National Anti-Discrimination Office published guidelines on how to report on LGTB issues. The guidelines restrict freedom of the press and journalists’ freedom of reporting by requiring, amongst other things, that they must positively promote homosexuality and gay marriage and must not speak of “the right of a child to a mother or father, e.g. a male or female role model”.
Insults and Incitement to Violence Surround a Pro-Marriage Referendum
December 10, 2013, CroatiaThe Christian position was discredited in the liberal-leftist media, portals and on Facebook, as harmful to society. Media asserted that believers should not be permitted to express their religious beliefs in public. Inciting comments were not always deleted by the portals. Fifty reports were filed with the police due to verbal and physical violence in response to the attitude toward marriage as a union of a woman and a man. Criminal charges have been filed.
St. Eulalia, Patroness of Madrid, Secularized
October 10, 2013, SpainAn initiative driven by Ignasi Ventura Diaz hopes to reinstate the cross symbol on images of St. Eulalia, patroness of Madrid. Currently, public images of the saint contain a young girl on an eagle instead of the traditional cross upon which the saint was crucified at the age of thirteen. Groups such as e-Christians wish for the City Council to acknowledge the Christian roots of St. Eulalia, currently called “La Laia”, a nickname which also hides the Christian roots of the city’s patroness.
Croatian Television Breaks Agreement with Catholic Church
July 19, 2013, CroatiaCroatian Television (HTV) one-sidedly cancelled the autonomy of its religious program, which had been guaranteed by the Agreement signed in 2000 by HTV and the Croatian Conference of Bishops (in reference to the implementation of the international contract between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia).
European Affairs Minister Forced to Resign
July 11, 2013, IrelandLucinda Creighton, European Affairs Minister of Ireland had to resign after voting against the Government on an amendment to the abortion bill. The so-called “whip” does not permit to deviate from party policy. Mrs. Creighton however felt that she could not compromise on matters of “life and death”.
Street Preacher Arrested For Preaching on Sexual Morality
July 1, 2013, United KingdomThe police arrested a street preacher in Wimbledon under suspicion of offences under the Public Order Act. He had been speaking about sexual immorality in general and the importance to abstain from such practices.
Police Brutality Directed Against Pro-Family Demonstrators
June 26, 2013, FranceTear gas attacks and beatings by the police, arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, illegal finger print storing, and countless other human rights violations were conducted by the French police against a peaceful mass demonstration opposing government policy on gay marriage and adoption.
Gathering Disturbed by Insults and Shouting in Montpellier
June 13, 2013, FranceA gathering of “Les Veilleurs”, a peaceful manifestation group in favour of the traditional family of was disturbed by shouting from students and radical LGBT activists. Anti-Catholic insults were yelled as “Les Veilleurs” gathered to pray and sing together as they do every Tuesday evening before the prefecture in Montpellier.
German Publicists Suffer Defamatory Statements
June 10, 2013, GermanyBerger, chief editor of the gay magazine “Men”, said that some publicits made defamatory statements and should not be allowed on TV any more. He had labeled Gabriele Kuby, a Catholic German publicist and also Martin Lohmann, chief editor of the Catholic television channel K-TV, and Katherina Reiche, member of the German parliament, as “homophobic protagonists” and had demanded: “Homo-haters get out of the talk shows”. Gabriele Kuby renounced these false accusations and explicitly stated that she is not homophobic and that the term “homo-hater” was invented by the homo-lobby to criminalize critique of the “homosexual movement”.
Overly Strict Hate Speech Legislation
May 21, 2013, FranceHate speech laws are very strict in France. Since the law of December 8th, 2004, any discrimination in speech against homosexuals is forbidden. Christians for example are unable to publically say that having a same-sex relationship is a sin. The consequence is that nobody criticizes homosexuality in itself on TV, radio or in newspapers.
Hate Speech Legislation Curbing on Freedom of Expression
May 21, 2013, SwedenSwedish penal law contains the crime “agitation against a national or ethnic group,” a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison. The Swedish government charged four activists who wanted to “start a debate about the lack of objectivity in the education in Swedish schools” by distributing leaflets on the "homosexual agenda".
"Insulting Speech Laws" Cause Legal Problems for Christians
May 21, 2013, United KingdomAccording to section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986, it is criminal offence to use “insulting words or behaviour” which is “likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.” Originally enacted to combat football hooliganism, this provision has led to the arrest and prosecution of many Christian street preachers in recent years.
Stalking Law Used Against Freedom of Assembly of Pro-Life Christians
May 21, 2013, AustriaAnti-stalking legislation is used against side-walk counselling or picketing. On October 25th, 2011, the state court of Graz, Styria, upheld a judgement of the first instance condemning pro-life side-walk counsellors to pay fines on the grounds of “stalking.”
Freedom of Assembly Limited by Court Order in Germany
May 21, 2013, GermanyChristian-inspired non-governmental pro-life organisations often express their faith and their convictions by protesting in front of abortion clinics, or by simply standing in front of clinics or counselling centres in order to offer conversation and alternatives. In the German cities Freiburg and Munich, this activity has been severely limited. Local courts have given in to the pressure by the targeted locations, which could have been mainly financial ones. Courts have restricted the form of manifestation as well as established a geographical ban. Appeals are on-going.
Pro-Life Manifestations Frequently Prohibited
May 21, 2013, FranceLaw 93-121 of January, 27th, 1993, so- called “loi Neiertz” made it a specific offense to obstruct abortions. Therefore manifestations in front of hospitals are frequently not permitted. A well-known doctor and embryologist, Xavier Dor, was condemned and sentenced to prison several times because he prayed together with a few others in front of a hospital and obstructed legal abortions. At 83, his latest trial is on-going.
Public Funding Restricted for Organisations with Christian Convictions
May 21, 2013, NetherlandsOrganisations may base their work on whatever beliefs or convictions - but to receive public funding, they must not object to current legislation. This creates a problem for Christian organisations especially with regard to objecting to medical procedures.
Homosexual Activists David Berger Claims "Gay Haters Get Out of Talk Shows"
April 21, 2013, GermanyIn an appeal to the media in Germany, Mr Berger, writer and theologian, claims that people critical of the homosexual life style must not be allowed to voice their thoughts in talk shows any more. In the name of human dignity and human rights, critics ought to be silenced.
Ban on Christian Teacher from Deptford Green School in London
April 12, 2013, United KingdomA classroom ban on a Christian school teacher who condemned the “homosexual lifestyle” in front of year 11 pupils aged 15 and 16, has been upheld by the High Court. Science teacher, Robert Haye’s appeal against the decision to ban him indefinitely was rejected by the judge. After telling his class that the way homosexual people lived was a “sin”, according to the bible, he was sacked and prohibited from teaching at any school.
University Assistant Professor Loses Job Due to Opposition to “Gay Marriage”
February 7, 2013, GermanyA Cologne university professor lost his job because he had spoken for Christian values and against “gay” marriages in a TV appearance. The university claimed that such views were not to be tolerated.
Topless Feminists Protest Against Vatican's Policy on Gay Adoption
January 13, 2013, ItalyWhen Pope Benedict XVI gave his weekly Sunday address on January 13, 2013, on St. Peter's Square, four women of the Ukrainian feminist group Femen took off their shirts to reveal the slogan they had written on their bare skin, "In Gay We Trust". This took place while the pope lead the Angelus prayer. The women screamed "Homophobes shut up" as they were taken away from St Peter's square by the Italian police.
Bishop of Trieste Barricaded After Reiterating Church Teaching on Homosexuality in Church Newspaper
January 12, 2013, ItalyIn the January edition of the Diocesan newspaper, the Bishop of Trieste had published an article restating the Church’s teaching on homosexual unions. Because of this, on the 12th of January about two hundred homosexual activist demonstrated in front of his home effectively barricading him in for the afternoon.
TV Host Suspended for Critical Show on Government's Sex Ed Programme
January 1, 2013, CroatiaMs Karolina Vidović-Krišto, a well-respected journalist with HRT/HTV, was the editor and host of a popular program “Slika Hrvatske”, produced specifically for Croatians living overseas. She was suspended after editing and hosting a show which criticised the government's sex ed programme on December 29, 2012.
Catholic Intellectual Threatened For Opposing Gay Adoption on TV
December 12, 2012, GermanyFollowing his appearance in a talkshow opposing homosexual adoption on German public service television, Martin Lohman, a Catholic intellectual has received severe threats via Email. He was sent an anonymous email stating the following: "I am homosexual, I have AIDS and I live in Bonn and I am now set on giving the gift of my immune disease to you, too. Should you feel a little prick of a needle soon, then that was most likely me with my needle."
Secularists Condemn Churches Involvement in Public Life
November 5, 2012, FranceThe Grand Society of France (the largest among Masonic organizations in France) declared that "... churches are restricted only to the spiritual sphere, and not to interfere legitimate public debate leading to evolution and progress of civil rights."
Pro-Life Activists Continuously Attacked
October 3, 2012, GermanyPro-Life activists continuously suffer attacks from radical groups, including physical attacks and property damages; as well as negative stereotyping by the media; and an infringement on freedom of assembly and expression by a ban mile.
Christian Pro-Life Group Legally Threatened by Abortion Giant
September 28, 2012, United KingdomMaria Stopes International (MSI), one of the biggest abortion providers worldwide located in the UK, threatened to take legal action against a pregnancy pro-life center (Good Counsel) for distributing and providing some information about the negative effects of abortion on mental health.
Teacher Flunks High School Student for Saying that Homosexuality is an “Abnormal Orientation"
September 1, 2012, SwedenDuring a biology class a Swedish high school student spoke up and called homosexuality an “abnormal sexual orientation”. As a result of this comment the teacher flunked the student. The reasoning of the teacher is that it is the task of the educational system to teach pupils respect for all sexual orientations. The opposing view of the student doesn’t correspond to the curriculum’s goal.
Pro-Life Advocates Arrested for Displaying Abortion Posters
August 2, 2012, PolandMariusz Dzierżawski, founder of the Warsaw-based PRO Foundation – Right to Life, and a fellow PRO Foundation member were arrested by the local governmental authorities during an approved anti-abortion rally at the entrance of the Woodstock Festival held in the western Polish city of Kostrzyn.
Christian on Trial for Reaching Out to Woman on the Way to Abortion
June 30, 2012, FranceA French retired doctor faced police investigation for trial because of giving a woman who intended an abortion knitted baby shoes and a medallion. In France “moral and psychological pressure” seen as an “hindrance of abortion” is punishable.
Christian Blogger Under Investigation by Gov’t Ad Authority for Running Pro-Marriage Ad
May 18, 2012, United KingdomA prominent British Christian conservative blogger is under attack from a government agency, at the behest of a homosexualist activist group, for supporting the defence of traditional marriage.
Catholic Bishop to be Charged of ‘Inciting Hate’
April 19, 2012, SpainHomosexual activists lobby for the proscecution of Bishop Juan Antonio Reig Pla of Alcala de Henares for preaching the Catholic Church’s position on homosexual acts. An international group of Catholic doctors defends the bishop.
Celebrity Suggests "Homophobic" Clergy Should be Jailed
March 12, 2012, United KingdomThe celebrity singer Will Young has suggested that clergy should be put in jail for speaking out too strongly against same-sex marriage.
Gay Activist Disrupts Mass With Video Cam
March 11, 2012, United KingdomA homosexual activist disrupted a Mass held in a parish in Teignmouth, Devon, with a video camera last week as a priest prepared to read a letter from the country’s bishops conference opposing government efforts to legalize same-sex “marriage.”
Vatican Website Hacked by Anti-Catholic Group
March 7, 2012, InternationalHackers claiming ties to the group Anonymous are taking credit after the Vatican website went down Wednesday. They displayed the following message: “Anonymous decided today to besiege your site in response to the doctrine, to the liturgies, to the absurd and anachronistic concepts that your for-profit organization spreads around the world."
Left Wing NGO Attacks Christian Information Event on Gender Mainstreaming
March 7, 2012, GermanyLeft wing radicals in an NGO called "Antifa Action Heilbronn" protested against the event “Gender Mainstreaming- Overthrow of the Value System - the Secret Revolution”, organized by the Christian Democratic Union and called it a “provocation”. On their webpage the radical group smears the speaker of the event, Gabriele Kuby, who is committed to Christian values, calling her a "reactionary, antifeminist and homophobic agitator" and denoting the “Forum for German Catholics” as “collecting pool right wing activists”.
‘Intolerant’ Campaign Against Tory MP Over Gay Marriage
February 13, 2012, United KingdomTory MP, David Burrowes, is facing an ‘intolerant’ campaign against him because of his opposition to homosexual marriage. The campaign is led by the treasurer of his local Conservative association, Phillip Dawson, who is homosexual.
Fines for Criticising Homosexuality OK for European Court of Human Rights
February 9, 2012, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)A Swedish law foreseeing prison sentences for criticising the homosexualist agenda in public was upheld by the European Court of Human Rights which has ruled that there it was not in violation of freedom of expression. Four people were fined for a distributing leaflets.
Irish Bishop Investigated After Upsetting Humanist in Homily
February 2, 2012, IrelandBishop Philip Boyce of the Raphoe diocese in northwestern Ireland was investigated by the police for “hate crime” after arguing that the Catholic Church in Ireland is under attack from “aggressive secularism”.
University Motion Orders Human-Life-Defending Groups to Invite Pro-Abortion Speakers
January 31, 2012, United KingdomThe students’ union of University College in London has passed a motion to officially make the campus “pro-choice” and to impose a “restriction of freedom of speech”.
Pro-Abortion Attack Pro-Life Activists at Barcelona Hospital
January 27, 2012, SpainPeaceful pro-life protesters against abortions at Barcelona Catholic hospital were attacked by pro-abortion counter-demonstrators, some of whom reportedly threw rocks and trash and shouted obscene insults.
Attacks against Gender-Mainstreaming Information Event at Student Fraternity
December 6, 2011, GermanyGerman writer Gabriele Kuby spoke at the student organisation KDSTV Saarland in Jena on December 6th on the issue of Gender Mainstreaming. Due to her critical take on current developments in this regard, the association “Diversity Life” (“Vielfalt Leben”) convened about 30-40 demonstrators who gathered in the stairway of the building, yelling, knocking at the doors, throwing eggs. The police had to clear the building. “Diversity life” had been supported by the working group “Queer Paradies” as well as by the “coordinating body of the city programme of Jena and contact office of the round table for democracy” (“KoKont”).
Prefecture Prohibits Pro-Life Manifestation, Allows Left Wing Counter Protests
November 19, 2011, FranceThe French Christian pro life group "SOS Tout-petits" registered a manifestation against abortion to take place on Nov 19th in front of the Paris Hospital Tenon. Even though the request for the permit came in due time, the prefecture withdrew the permission last minute. Reasons given were that the manifestation could be a disturbance of the public order and safety could not be guaranteed. At the same time, pro-choice groups which had organized a counter manifestation, and who had violently attacked the pro-life group during previous manifestations were allowed to hold their manifestation by walking around the hospital.
(Scotland) Former Leader Becomes Victim of Religious Discrimination
October 31, 2011, United KingdomFormer Scottish National Party leader Gordon Wilson has said a “lynch mob” booted him off the board of Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) because of his support for traditional marriage after Mr Wilson had responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on redefining marriage, saying that he was opposed to the idea.
Pro-Life Side-Walk Counsellors Condemned by Court
October 25, 2011, AustriaOn October 25th, the state court of Graz, Styria, upheld a judgement of the first instance condemning pro-life side-walk counsellors to payments between 350 and 6200 Euro.
Demotion and 40% Pay Cut After Critizing Gay Marriage on Facebook
October 24, 2011, United KingdomAdrian Smith (Christian, 54, father of two) of Manchester was demoted by his employer Trafford Council and Trafford Housing Trust after making a comment regarding the controversial plans of the ministers that could allow same-sex couples by law to „marry“ in Church although the Church of England refuses to participate.
Police Visits Christian Cafe for Display of Bible Passages
September 30, 2011, United KingdomUK, Blackpool: Jamie Murray, Salt & Light Coffee House's owner, has been visited by the Lancashire Police and threatened for the display of Bible versicles on a TV screen inside his property. The police told Murray that the Bible passages use offensive, insulting words, and this constitutes a violation of Section 5 of the Public Order Act. The officers warned Murray that if he didn’t stop, he could be prosecuted for hate speech. The coffee house TV screen connected to a DVD displays images with no soundtrack from "Watchword Bible", which contents verses from the New Testament.
Left Wing Extremists Violently End Pro-Life Rally in Düsseldorf
September 30, 2011, GermanyLeft-wing extremists prevented a pro-life group from showing a short movie about the development of the human embryo on the square in front of Düsseldorf’s main railway station.
Pro Life Manifestation Attacked
September 17, 2011, FranceThe Christian pro life group "SOS Tout Petits" was attacked by pro-choice and anti-Christian activists during a manifestation in front of the Paris Hospital Tenon while praying peacefully.
Major Social Media Sites ‘Actively’ Censor Christian Content
September 15, 2011, InternationalA new study has found that Google and other major social media sites such as Facebook have “actively” censored Christian and conservative viewpoints. The report examined the policies and practices of several major Internet-interactive “new media” communications platforms and service providers, including Apple and its iTunes App Store, Facebook, Google, and others.
(Jersey) Post Refuses to Deliver ‘Offensive’ Bible CD
September 15, 2011, United KingdomPostal workers in Jersey refused to deliver audio recordings of St Mark’s Gospel after deeming it “offensive material”. Several churches clubbed together to pay for 45,000 CDs to be produced to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. A copy of the recording was due to be delivered to every household on the Channel Island of Jersey. But church leaders were left reeling after Jersey Post claimed that the CDs could offend people and refused to deliver them.
Poznan Medical University Breaks Previous Agreement to Host Reparative Therapy Conference
September 6, 2011, PolandA reparative therapy conference, which aims to help people who struggle with same sex attraction, was denied to use of the Medical School Foundation (UM) facilities in Poznan, Poland. The conference, featuring psychologist Dr. Joseph Nicolosi of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), received criticisms from Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, and it was after them that UM decided not to host the event. Gazeta Wyborcza highlighted that the American Psychological Association (APA) has concerns about the effects of treatment for same-sex attraction.
Politican Plans to Sue Physicians for Offering Therapy for People Struggling With Unwanted Same-Sex Attraction
August 29, 2011, GermanyVolker Beck, member of the German Bundestag (parliament) and speaker on human rights issues of the Green party, has launched an initiative to engage the German Medical Association against the German Union of Catholic Physicians (BKÄ). On their website, the BKÄ provides informations about therapeutic options in case of unwanted same-sex attraction.
Christian Media Ad Banned By Authorities
July 27, 2011, United KingdomThe media group Premier Christian Radio's advertizment on the marginalization of Christians in the workplace was banned by the Radio Advertising Clearance Centre (RACC) for being “politically motivated”. Even though the ad was modified and redone several times, RACC upheld the ban.
Ban on Faith-Based Pregnancy Conflict Counselling in Freiburg and Mannheim
June 30, 2011, GermanyIn Freiburg, the Agency for Public Order restricted access around the entrance area of Pro Familia (an organisation which offers pregnancy conflict counseling including the option of abortion) for counsellors of the faith-based nonprofit association „Centre of Life - Helpers of God’s Precious Infants“ (Lebenszentrum - Helfer für Gottes kostbare Kinder e.V.) The aim of the associaton is to encourage and support expecting mothers in conflict to give birth to their child by offering differents kinds of support.
Sidewalk Counselling Prohibited in Munich
May 31, 2011, GermanyThe local authorities in Munich (Kreisverwaltungsreferat, KVR) have prohibited all pro life activity in front of Germany’s biggest abortion clinic (Dr. Friedrich Stapf, 4000 abortions per year) and called the so-called side-walk counselling a serious impropriety („grobe Ungehörigkeit“) to be punished by a fine of 500 €.
Anti-Pope-Campaign Sues Pope at International Tribunal
May 16, 2011, InternationalThe campaign “Calling the Pope to Account” sued Pope Benedict XVI at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for crimes against humanity. The charges are: “the preservation and leadership of a worldwide totalitarian regime of coercion, which subjugates its members with terrifying and health-endangering threats; the adherence to a fatal forbiddance of the use of condoms, even when the danger of HIV-AIDS infection exists; and the establishment and maintenance of a worldwide system of cover-up of the sexual crimes committed by Catholic priests and their preferential treatment, which aids and abets ever new crimes”. The campaign is supported by posters and a book publication.
Teacher Dismissed for Showing a Film About Abortion
March 31, 2011, FranceA French history teacher was permanently dismissed for showing his students a video on abortion and talking about French abortion law.
iPhone Christian Applications Removed
March 31, 2011, InternationalApple suppresses diversity of belief by shutting down two Christian iPhone applications claiming that the were “offensive to large groups of people”, and the support of traditional marriage, family, and life “expose[d] a group to harm” and delivered “hate speech”.
Italian School Rejects Cardinal’s Visit
March 17, 2011, ItalyAn Italian school from Genova, Pertini-Diaz, rejected Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco’s visit. The spokesperson for Pertini-Diaz expressed concerns about the pastoral purpose of the visit, and the security staff that the cardinal would bring along with him. The Pertini-Diaz school would however welcome a non-pastoral visit.
Christian Pro Life Activist Sentenced for Expressing His Opinion
January 25, 2011, GermanyMr. Günther Annen demonstrated in front of the abortion clinic of Dr. Karl-Heinz Jordan twice in August 2010, displaying a sign which said: „Why does Dr. Karl-Heinz Jordan kill unborn children?“ He was sentenced for insult to a penalty of 1500 € by the Darnstadt public prosecutor's office on Jan. 25, 2011.
List of Attacks Against Christian Sexual Orientation Group
December 10, 2010, GermanyAt a meeting on Freedom of Religion of OSCE/ODIHR in Vienna on Dec 9 and 10, the spokesperson of Wüstenstrom, a Christian NGO representing people with unwanted same-sex attractions, summarized a series of intolerance and attacks against them and their work. Find here the full text of his intervention.
Mental Health Worker Threatened With Sack After Sharing Opinions About Post-Abortion Syndrome
December 1, 2010, United KingdomChristian Mental Health worker suspended after talking to colleague informally about abortion risks and told „never to do this again“ and reinstated only several weeks later.
Activists Force Spanish Cardinal to Cancel Lecture
December 1, 2010, SpainRadical groups forced the Archdiocese of Madrid to cancel a speech of Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela scheduled to be held at the Autonomous University of Madrid.
Head of Belgian Catholic Church Could Face Charges of Homophobia For Controversial Speech
November 2, 2010, BelgiumMsgr. Leonard faces accusations of homophobia for expressing controversial positions on the causes of HIV/AIDS.