NGO says Christians “increasingly marginalized” in Europe

(Vatican Radio) Christians in Europe are generally becoming more marginalized and are the victims of growing intolerance, not just at a social level but also when it comes to legislation. That’s the view of the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians, an NGO that monitors instances where Christians or Christianity are discriminated against in Europe.  It says draft legislation, known as the “equal treatment directive” that would place restrictions on religious freedom, especially for Christians, is being resurrected by the European Union and could become law. The Director of the Observatory is Dr Gudrun Kugler who spoke to Susy Hodges about her concerns.

Listen to the interview with Gudrun Kugler:  

Kugler says she believes that discrimination against Christians is “increasing in different ways in all countries within Europe, both at a social level and also when it comes to legislation. She says the “tide is going very strongly against Christians" and in some areas (of Europe) it now becomes “illegal to hold Christian convictions.” Kugler explains that legislation must “protect religious freedom at all costs” and “create a space for everyone” so all people can live freely, regardless of their beliefs.  

So-called “hate speech or hate crimes” against believers are another concern mentioned by Kugler. She pointed to a recent example of a French politician who had to fight a long-running legal battle after he was fined 10,000 euro for citing the catechism on TV and was only acquitted after appearing in court for a 4th time to contest the charges. Kugler also said there is “an incredible amount of vandalism” being perpetrated against Christian sites, such as in France.