All cases
Teacher Sacked for Christian Beliefs Appeals Tribunal Decision
January 14, 2025, United KingdomBen Dybowski, a teaching assistant in Wales, was sacked after expressing his Christian views during a school seminar on diversity. Although the Education Workforce Council found no wrongdoing, an employment tribunal rejected his claim of harassment. He is now appealing the decision, raising concerns about the treatment of Christian teachers in Europe.
Catholic teacher fired for upholding traditional Christian values
January 8, 2025, AustriaIn Austria, a Catholic teacher has been banned from teaching for two years after being sacked for defending traditional moral values at public demonstrations. The teacher was also ordered to pay €24,000 in legal costs.
French TV channel fined for presenting abortion as cause of death
November 13, 2024, FranceOn 13th November the French Communications Authority (Arcom) fined a television channel €100,000 for presenting abortion as the "first cause of death" during a Catholic programme.
New UK Buffer Zone Bill restricts silent prayer near abortion clinics
October 31, 2024, United KingdomOn 31 October 2024, Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023 (POA) came into force, introducing new restrictions on freedom of expression and religion within the so-called 'buffer zones' around abortion clinics in England and Wales.
Christian street preacher injured by assailant and arrested by police
October 10, 2024, United KingdomChristian pastor Dia Moodley was arrested and detained for 13 hours by Avon and Somerset Police after preaching about Christianity and Islam outside Bristol University during Ramadan in March.
UPDATE: Ireland's "buffer zone" law comes into force
October 10, 2024, IrelandIn October 2024, Ireland implemented a "buffer zone" law that prohibits any conduct that could "influence" abortion decisions within 100 metres of clinics. The law also restricts speech on private property near public areas, raising concerns about restrictions on religious freedom.
Teacher Sanctioned for Using Religious Text in Local Heritage Class
September 27, 2024, FranceA French teacher in Carcassonne was reprimanded for using materials on St. Bernadette Soubirous and Lourdes in an Occitan class, allegedly in breach of neutrality laws. Despite arguing that the content reflected regional heritage, a court upheld the sanction in September 2024, ruling that it violated the principles of secularism in public education.
UPDATE: Controversial Irish Hate Speech Law Dropped
September 22, 2024, IrelandAfter intense debate, the controversial 'hate speech' bill in Ireland was dropped in September 2024. The proposed legislation was seen as too vague and a serious threat to free speech.
Payout for Christian woman who was fined for silent prayer, but government planing new restrictions
August 19, 2024, United KingdomA Christian charity volunteer has received a £13,000 payout and an apology from police after claiming her arrest for silently praying outside an abortion clinic was unjust and violated her human rights. While many see this as a victory for religious freedom, the new UK government is planning to introduce national legislation banning prayer outside abortion clinics.
Christian Activists unlawfully arrested in Paris
August 5, 2024, FranceOn August 5, Parisian police arrested six Christians who were on a bus labelled with “Stop attacks on Christians” driving around Paris to bring attention to the Last Supper parody at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony and its anti-Christian message.