Two articles discuss how applying labels such as “cult” or “extremist” is used to promote discrimination against minority religions.
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Amish May Refuse Septic Tanks for Religious Reasons: US Supreme Court
Freedom of religion exemption apply to a refusal to comply with state sewage laws based on a refusal of modern technology.
Flemish Law on Religion: Dangerous for Religious Freedom
On 4 June, after receiving the opinion of the Council of State, the Flemish government gave its final approval to the controversial decree.
“To Stop Islamic Terrorism, Discriminate Against Non-Muslim Religious Movements”
Laws are passed with the alleged aim of combating Islamic radicalism. They are then used against peaceful religionists labeled as “fundamentalists” or “cults.”
The Flemish Draft Law on Religious Communities: A Critical Analysis
The proposed decree feeds into to the growing distrust of religion and raises serious religious freedom concerns, according to a FORB Perspective.
Ivan Aguéli: The Painter Who Invented the Word “Islamophobia”
Artist, anarchist, Theosophist, and Sufi, the Swedish artist coined the word in 1904, and defended Islam against Western stereotypes.
Religiocide: How to Kill a Religion
A new book discusses how religions end. Some are killed—by democratic states.
“Sect Filters” in Germany: Institutionalizing the Anti-Cult Narrative
German citizens should sign declarations that they did not and will not participate in any Scientology-related activity before obtaining some public and private jobs.
Excommunication: Looking for a Balance of Interests Between Opposite Freedoms
The Ghent Court decision declaring shunning as practiced by Jehovah’s Witnesses illegal ignores European and Belgian precedents, and is clearly wrong.
The Ghent Jehovah’s Witness Decision: Anomaly or a New Reality?
In an unprecedented ruling, judges turned the long-standing interpretation of articles 9, 10, 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights on its head.