A report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom describes persecution of the Witnesses as a global phenomenon.
Religious Liberty
French Anti-Extremism Law: Government Eliminates Controversial Provisions
Following the advice of the State Council, the new text no longer includes parts that would have put religious liberty at risk.
French Anti-Extremism Law: State Council Shares Scholars’ Concern
Administrative liquidation, harassment of groups labeled as “cults,” total ban on home-schooling are deemed as being against the French Constitution
Article 38: New French Anti-Extremism Draft Law Discriminates Against Foreign-Based Religions
A provision allegedly introduced to cut foreign funding to Islamic radical groups may in fact severely limit the activities of hundreds of different religious movements
France: Draft Law on Extremism To Be Examined on December 9
The controversial project was introduced as a tool to contain Islamic radicalism but in fact threatens religious liberty in general.
The German “Sect Filters”: A Gross Violation of Religious Liberty
In parts of Germany, to work for the government and for several private companies, or even play violin in an orchestra or obtain a bonus for buying an e-bike, you should declare you are not associated with a certain religion.
From Charlie Hebdo to “The Boys”: “Freedom of Expression” vs. Religious Liberty
Where exactly lies the limit between free speech and hate speech that offends members of a religion? Many discuss Charlie Hebdo—but it is not the only case. The Boys is another pop culture example.
Algeria Should Improve Its Religious Legislation, Says European Parliament
A resolution targeted in particular Algerian Ordinance 06-03, which clearly discriminated against non-Muslim groups
China Cracks Down on Religious Exchanges with Foreigners
A new draft law, of which Bitter Winter publishes the English translation, would severely limit the possibility of foreign visitors, including academics, to interact with Chinese discussing religion.
Teachers Denied Freedom of Speech and Religion
China’s communist regime implements drastic censorship and ideological control measures to ensure that educators follow the Party line.