October 14, 2009

(Strasbourg, France) - The European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ), the international affiliate of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), is calling for the protection of the rights and freedoms of Christians when it comes to religious matters.  The comments came before a key meeting organized by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) – one of the largest meetings focusing on human rights in Europe.

In comments before the 2009 “Human Dimension Implementation” meetings in Warsaw, Poland, ECLJ representative Grégor Puppinck, delivered an oral statement to the OSCE participating States.  The ECLJ focused on protecting the rights of Christians who are often the focus of intolerance and discrimination in many parts of the world.

In its remarks, the ECLJ insisted on the necessity to defend and promote the right to freedom of expression in religious matters.  The ECLJ explained that freedom of expression in religious matters is particularly necessary when we consider the growing tensions between freedom of speech and freedom of religion in the current context of religious radicalization.

In recent years a growing number of people and journalists are subject of death threats - in Europe - because they dared to make some critical comments toward certain aspects of Islam.

The ECLJ also called on OSCE Member States to object to the sociological concept of “defamation of religion” as promoted by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).  The ECLJ contends that this concept has upset the balance between freedom of expression and freedom of religion by threatening freedom of expression – mostly targeting minority religions.

The ECLJ recalled to the participating States the legal principles governing the relationship between freedom of expression and religion, making clear that freedom of expression, as an essential foundation of democratic society, doesn’t only apply to information and ideas that are favorably received or regarded as inoffensive or indifferent, but also to those that offend, shock or disturb the State or any sector of the population. Consequently, the protection of conscience or religious sentiment does not preclude criticisms against religions and belief, as long as those who profess these beliefs express their right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion in a peaceful manner.

The ECLJ also reaffirmed that freedom of religion also protects the freedom of the public expression of religious feeling and religious doctrines. Consequently, public expressions of faith or religious morality should receive a superior level of protection. Such is the case of the sermons of ministers who shall be free to criticize the behaviors considered as immoral by the religion. The public expression of faith or religious morality should not be liable to prosecution because of their opposition to certain ideas or practices morally objectionable, since it is expressed peacefully.

You can read the ECLJ oral presentation in English here.  The oral presentation in French is here.

The ECLJ’s comments came at a meeting brings together government representatives, experts and NGOs to review the implementation by the OSCE participating States of their commitments in the field of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The NGOs have full access to the meeting and can discuss issues with government representatives on an equal footing.

The European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) is an international non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting human rights and religious freedom in Europe and worldwide.  Attorneys for the ECLJ have served as counsel in numerous cases before the European Court of Human Rights.  Additionally, the ECLJ has special Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations, and is accredited to the European Parliament.