Changes

'''Religious freedom''' is the right to espouse the religion of one's choice, or none. Religious freedom is guaranteed in the constitution of the [[United States]] and is a commonplace in democratic countries. However, in many states and countries, secular and atheistic policies, particularly in the field of education, form in effect a restriction on religious liberties. Examples include the ban on [[classroom prayer]] in the [[United States]], and opposition to the teaching of any alternatives to the discredited [[Theory of Evolution]] in many western nations.

'''Religious freedom''' is the right to espouse the religion of one's choice, or none. Religious freedom is guaranteed in the constitution of the [[United States]] and is a commonplace in democratic countries. However, in many states and countries, secular and atheistic policies, particularly in the field of education, form in effect a restriction on religious liberties. Examples include the ban on [[classroom prayer]] in the [[United States]], and opposition to the teaching of any alternatives to the discredited [[Theory of Evolution]] in many western nations.

The U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom reported in May 2017 that religious freedom around the world was "worsening in both the depth and breadth of violations."<ref>Williams, Thomas D., PhD (May 16, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/05/16/report-international-religious-freedom-worsening-in-both-depth-and-breadth/ Report: International Religious Freedom Worsening in both ‘Depth and Breadth’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 16, 2017.</ref>

The U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom reported in May 2017 that religious freedom around the world was "worsening in both the depth and breadth of violations."<ref>Williams, Thomas D., PhD (May 16, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/05/16/report-international-religious-freedom-worsening-in-both-depth-and-breadth/ Report: International Religious Freedom Worsening in both ‘Depth and Breadth’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 16, 2017.</ref>

Religious freedom is seen as a grave danger by [[Communist]] regimes—very few religious freedoms are given in [[China]], and under Communist rule religion was banned outright in [[Albania]]—and by strict [[Islamic]] regimes such as those in [[Iran]] and (particularly) [[Saudi Arabia]].

Religious freedom is seen as a grave danger by [[Communist]] regimes—very few religious freedoms are given in [[China]], and under Communist rule religion was banned outright in [[Albania]]—and by strict [[Islamic]] regimes such as those in [[Iran]] and (particularly) [[Saudi Arabia]].

Despite the fact that many people, particularly left-wingers, consider the West to be the "free world" due to leftist policies, Christians and others who espouse conservative or unpopular views (which interestingly were considered mainstream only a few generations prior) have experienced increasing levels of persecution in Western countries, whether socially or legally. Increasingly, it is considered "dangerous" or "evil" to hold legitimate biblical Christian or conservative views that (despite the fact they are completely legitimate and sincerely held) contradict the leftist "consensus" or to pass them on to the next generation.

Despite the fact that many people, particularly left-wingers, consider the West to be the "free world" due to leftist policies, Christians and others who espouse conservative or unpopular views (which interestingly were considered mainstream only a few generations prior) have experienced increasing levels of persecution in Western countries, whether socially or legally. Increasingly, it is considered "dangerous" or "evil" to hold legitimate biblical Christian or conservative views that (despite the fact they are completely legitimate and sincerely held) contradict the leftist "consensus" or to pass them on to the next generation.

Due to their belief in the "[[Idea of Progress]]", left-wingers and even [[establishment]] "conservatives" believe that humanity is advancing and improving. Since they consider theologically conservative and orthodox Christianity to be "outdated," "archaic," or "narrow-minded," they believe that wiping out biblical Christian beliefs will only enhance progress and remove an obstacle to the betterment of humanity. Thus, despite the total lack of evidence, biblical Christian beliefs thought in love are increasingly considered "[[hate speech]]" or a "[[hate crime]]." Left-wing organizations such as [[Americans United for Separation of Church and State]] have fought against religious freedom for Christians in the United States.<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (February 22, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/22/anti-christian-group-declares-war-on-religious-freedom-in-trumps-america/ Anti-Christian Group Declares War on Religious Freedom in Trump’s America]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved February 22, 2018.</ref>

Due to their belief in the "[[Idea of Progress]]", left-wingers and even [[establishment]] "conservatives" believe that humanity is advancing and improving. Since they consider theologically conservative and orthodox Christianity to be "outdated," "archaic," or "narrow-minded," they believe that wiping out biblical Christian beliefs will only enhance progress and remove an obstacle to the betterment of humanity. Thus, despite the total lack of evidence, biblical Christian beliefs thought in love are increasingly considered "[[hate speech]]" or a "[[hate crime]]." Left-wing organizations such as [[Americans United for Separation of Church and State]] have fought against religious freedom for Christians in the United States.<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (February 22, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/22/anti-christian-group-declares-war-on-religious-freedom-in-trumps-america/ Anti-Christian Group Declares War on Religious Freedom in Trump’s America]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved February 22, 2018.</ref>

This is a very non-exhaustive list of restrictions on religious freedom that Christians have experienced in the supposedly "free world" since the turn of the century:

This is a very non-exhaustive list of restrictions on religious freedom that Christians have experienced in the supposedly "free world" since the turn of the century:

;United States

;United States

*Numerous Christians, whether business owners or other people, such as [[Kim Davis]] or [[Roy Moore]], have been persecuted in various ways (lawsuits, loss of business, arrest, etc.) for holding on to their sincerely-held beliefs and refusing to bow down to the [[homosexual agenda]].

*Numerous Christians, whether business owners or other people, such as [[Kim Davis]] or [[Roy Moore]], have been persecuted in various ways (lawsuits, loss of business, arrest, etc.) for holding on to their sincerely-held beliefs and refusing to bow down to the [[homosexual agenda]].

*In a government report released in 2016, Martin R. Castro, the chairman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, stated that "The phrases “religious liberty” and “religious freedom” will stand for nothing except hypocrisy so long as they remain code words for discrimination, intolerance, racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, Christian supremacy or any form of intolerance."<ref>Showalter, Brandon (September 9, 2016). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/religious-freedom-code-word-bigotry-christian-supremacy-us-civil-rights-commissioner-martin-castro-169370/ Religious Freedom Is 'Code Word' for Bigotry, Christian Supremacy, US Civil Rights Commissioner Says]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Kellner, Mark A. (September 8, 2016). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/sep/8/religious-freedom-religious-liberty-just-code-word/ ‘Religious freedom,’ ‘liberty’ just ‘code words’ for intolerance, U.S. Civil Rights chairman says]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://religionnews.com/2016/09/08/chairman-of-u-s-commission-on-civil-rights-calls-the-phrases-religious-liberty-and-religious-freedom-code-words-for-discrimination-intolerance-racism-s/ Chairman of U.S. Commission on Civil Rights calls the phrases ‘religious liberty’ and ‘religious freedom’ code words for discrimination, intolerance, racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, and Christian supremacy]. ''Religion News Service''. September 8, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Carter, Joe (September 13, 2016). [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/u.s.-civil-rights-commission-religious-freedom-is-code-word-for-racism-homophobia-and-christian-supremacy U.S. Civil Rights Commission: ‘Religious Freedom’ Is Code Word for Racism, Homophobia, and ‘Christian Supremacy’]. ''The Gospel Coalition''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref>

*In a government report released in 2016, Martin R. Castro, the chairman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, stated that "The phrases “religious liberty” and “religious freedom” will stand for nothing except hypocrisy so long as they remain code words for discrimination, intolerance, racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, Christian supremacy or any form of intolerance."<ref>Showalter, Brandon (September 9, 2016). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/religious-freedom-code-word-bigotry-christian-supremacy-us-civil-rights-commissioner-martin-castro-169370/ Religious Freedom Is 'Code Word' for Bigotry, Christian Supremacy, US Civil Rights Commissioner Says]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Kellner, Mark A. (September 8, 2016). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/sep/8/religious-freedom-religious-liberty-just-code-word/ ‘Religious freedom,’ ‘liberty’ just ‘code words’ for intolerance, U.S. Civil Rights chairman says]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://religionnews.com/2016/09/08/chairman-of-u-s-commission-on-civil-rights-calls-the-phrases-religious-liberty-and-religious-freedom-code-words-for-discrimination-intolerance-racism-s/ Chairman of U.S. Commission on Civil Rights calls the phrases ‘religious liberty’ and ‘religious freedom’ code words for discrimination, intolerance, racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, and Christian supremacy]. ''Religion News Service''. September 8, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Carter, Joe (September 13, 2016). [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/u.s.-civil-rights-commission-religious-freedom-is-code-word-for-racism-homophobia-and-christian-supremacy U.S. Civil Rights Commission: ‘Religious Freedom’ Is Code Word for Racism, Homophobia, and ‘Christian Supremacy’]. ''The Gospel Coalition''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref>

*In 2014, the mayor of [[Houston]], a leftist and the first openly-homosexual mayor of the city, briefly issued subpoenas on pastors, ordering them to turn over sermons concerning homosexuality.<ref>Starnes, Todd (October 14, 2014). [http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/10/14/city-houston-demands-pastors-turn-over-sermons.html City of Houston demands pastors turn over sermons]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Starnes, Todd (October 29, 2014). [http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/10/29/houston-mayor-drops-bid-to-subpoena-pastors-sermons.html Houston mayor drops bid to subpoena pastors' sermons]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Hallowell, Billy (August 3, 2015). [http://www.theblaze.com/news/2015/08/03/houston-pastors-hit-back-against-mayor-with-lawsuit-alleging-their-religious-freedoms-were-trampled/ Houston Gov’t Subpoenaed Pastors’ Sermons. Now, They’re Fighting Back.] ''The Blaze''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref>

*In 2014, the mayor of [[Houston]], a leftist and the first openly-homosexual mayor of the city, briefly issued subpoenas on pastors, ordering them to turn over sermons concerning homosexuality.<ref>Starnes, Todd (October 14, 2014). [http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/10/14/city-houston-demands-pastors-turn-over-sermons.html City of Houston demands pastors turn over sermons]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Starnes, Todd (October 29, 2014). [http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/10/29/houston-mayor-drops-bid-to-subpoena-pastors-sermons.html Houston mayor drops bid to subpoena pastors' sermons]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Hallowell, Billy (August 3, 2015). [http://www.theblaze.com/news/2015/08/03/houston-pastors-hit-back-against-mayor-with-lawsuit-alleging-their-religious-freedoms-were-trampled/ Houston Gov’t Subpoenaed Pastors’ Sermons. Now, They’re Fighting Back.] ''The Blaze''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref>

*The Obama Administration and media's attitude toward a notable incident regarding homeschooling raised concerns over the future of the freedom to homeschool in the U.S. In 2008, a Christian homeschooling family traveled to the U.S. and applied for asylum in order to exercise their right to homeschool their children and give them a religious education.<ref name="HomeschoolAsylum"/> Very few [[mainstream media]] agencies reported this notable incident.<ref name="HomeschoolAsylum"/> The Obama Administration opposed the granting of asylum and sought to deport the family.<ref>Berry, Susan (April 23, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2013/04/23/german-homeschooling-family-seeks-to-stop-deportation-by-obama-administration/ German Homeschooling Family Seeks to Stop Obama Admin Deportation Order]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.</ref><ref name="ObamaAsylum">Berry, Susan (March 29, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2013/03/29/us-government-seeks-to-deport-family-threatened-in-germany-for-homeschooling/ Obama Admin Opposes Asylum for German Homeschooling Family]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.</ref> The administration argued in court that homeschooling was not a fundamental right and that the U.S. government could legally ban it and that the family's religious liberty was not being violated because not all homeschoolers are religious and because not all Christians want to homeschool (thus "suggesting that religious freedom is only the freedom to conform to a religious group, not the freedom to have individual religious convictions"<ref name="Looy2013"/>).<ref name="ObamaAsylum"/><ref name="Looy2013">Looy, Mark (April 29, 2013). [https://answersingenesis.org/religious-freedom/homeschooled-and-now-without-a-home-to-school-in/ Homeschooled and Now Without a Home to School In?] ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.</ref> While the Department of Homeland Security ultimately chose not to deport the family,<ref name="DHShomeschool"/> the Obama Administration's legal reasoning had a major potential impact on religious freedom, as it could be used in the future to ban homeschooling in the U.S., hinder parents from being able to give their children a religious education, and assert that government – not parents – has the final authority over children.<ref name="Looy2013"/>

*The Obama Administration and media's attitude toward a notable incident regarding homeschooling raised concerns over the future of the freedom to homeschool in the U.S. In 2008, a Christian homeschooling family traveled to the U.S. and applied for asylum in order to exercise their right to homeschool their children and give them a religious education.<ref name="HomeschoolAsylum"/> Very few [[mainstream media]] agencies reported this notable incident.<ref name="HomeschoolAsylum"/> The Obama Administration opposed the granting of asylum and sought to deport the family.<ref>Berry, Susan (April 23, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2013/04/23/german-homeschooling-family-seeks-to-stop-deportation-by-obama-administration/ German Homeschooling Family Seeks to Stop Obama Admin Deportation Order]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.</ref><ref name="ObamaAsylum">Berry, Susan (March 29, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2013/03/29/us-government-seeks-to-deport-family-threatened-in-germany-for-homeschooling/ Obama Admin Opposes Asylum for German Homeschooling Family]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.</ref> The administration argued in court that homeschooling was not a fundamental right and that the U.S. government could legally ban it and that the family's religious liberty was not being violated because not all homeschoolers are religious and because not all Christians want to homeschool (thus "suggesting that religious freedom is only the freedom to conform to a religious group, not the freedom to have individual religious convictions"<ref name="Looy2013"/>).<ref name="ObamaAsylum"/><ref name="Looy2013">Looy, Mark (April 29, 2013). [https://answersingenesis.org/religious-freedom/homeschooled-and-now-without-a-home-to-school-in/ Homeschooled and Now Without a Home to School In?] ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.</ref> While the Department of Homeland Security ultimately chose not to deport the family,<ref name="DHShomeschool"/> the Obama Administration's legal reasoning had a major potential impact on religious freedom, as it could be used in the future to ban homeschooling in the U.S., hinder parents from being able to give their children a religious education, and assert that government – not parents – has the final authority over children.<ref name="Looy2013"/>

*In February 2018, a judge in Hamilton County, Ohio, took away the custody of a 17-year-old [[transgender|gender-confused]] daughter from her parents because they would not allow her to undergo a [[sex change]] operation due to their religious beliefs.<ref>Multiple references:

*In February 2018, a judge in Hamilton County, Ohio, took away the custody of a 17-year-old [[transgender|gender-confused]] daughter from her parents because they would not allow her to undergo a [[sex change]] operation due to their religious beliefs.<ref>Multiple references:

*Richardson, Bradford (February 20, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/20/religious-parents-lose-custody-transgender-teen/ Religious parents lose custody of transgender teen for refusing hormone treatment]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved February 20, 2018.

*Richardson, Bradford (February 20, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/20/religious-parents-lose-custody-transgender-teen/ Religious parents lose custody of transgender teen for refusing hormone treatment]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved February 20, 2018.

*Berry, Susan (February 19, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/19/parents-lose-custody-of-daughter-for-opposing-transgender-medical-treatments/ Parents Lose Custody of Daughter for Opposing Transgender Medical Treatments]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved February 20, 2018.

*Berry, Susan (February 19, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/19/parents-lose-custody-of-daughter-for-opposing-transgender-medical-treatments/ Parents Lose Custody of Daughter for Opposing Transgender Medical Treatments]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved February 20, 2018.

*Tennant, Michael (February 21, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/family/item/28341-parents-custody-of-teenager-stripped-because-they-oppose-her-gender-change Parents’ Custody of Teenager Stripped Because They Oppose Her Gender Change]. ''The New American''. Retrieved February 21, 2018.</ref>

*Tennant, Michael (February 21, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/family/item/28341-parents-custody-of-teenager-stripped-because-they-oppose-her-gender-change Parents’ Custody of Teenager Stripped Because They Oppose Her Gender Change]. ''The New American''. Retrieved February 21, 2018.</ref>

*In October 2017, Wayne State University, a public institution, de-recognized InterVarsity Christian Fellowship as the student group required its members to be Christians.<ref>Parke, Caleb (March 7, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/07/michigan-university-boots-christian-group-off-campus-because-beliefs.html Christian group sues Michigan university after it is kicked off campus]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 7, 2018.<br>After a lawsuit threat, the university allowed back the Christian group:

*In October 2017, Wayne State University, a public institution, de-recognized InterVarsity Christian Fellowship as the student group required its members to be Christians.<ref>Parke, Caleb (March 7, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/07/michigan-university-boots-christian-group-off-campus-because-beliefs.html Christian group sues Michigan university after it is kicked off campus]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 7, 2018.<br>After a lawsuit threat, the university allowed back the Christian group:

*In 2014, the UK government banned the teaching of creationism in every school that receives government funding.<ref>Sevcik, JC (June 18, 2014). [https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/06/18/Teaching-creationism-as-scientifically-valid-now-banned-in-all-UK-public-schools/5631403128922/ Teaching creationism as scientifically valid now banned in all UK public schools]. ''UPI''. Retrieved March 9, 2018.</ref> In 2016, a teacher at an [[Anglican]] school in  Oswaldtwistle, [[Lancashire]] was harshly criticized for stating on [[Twitter]] (in response to another teacher) that "Evolution is not a fact. That’s why it’s called a theory! There’s more evidence that the Bible is true."<ref>Turpin, Simon (February 4, 2016). [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/simon-turpin/2016/02/04/teacher-ridiculed-saying-evolution-not-fact/ Teacher Ridiculed for Saying Evolution Is Not a Fact]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved January 10, 2017.</ref> In 2018, the UK Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills gave a Christian school its lowest ranking possible for quality of learning because it taught creationism and integrated its biblical values into its curriculum (aka. giving its students a Christian education, as a Christian school).<ref>Burgess, Kaya (February 16, 2018). [https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/primary-pupils-taught-creationism-in-science-lessons-at-kings-kids-christian-school-z66p6vc90 Primary pupils taught creationism in science lessons at Kings Kids Christian School]. ''The Times''. Retrieved March 9, 2018.</ref><ref>Kumar, Anugrah (February 18, 2018). [https://www.christianpost.com/news/uk-school-punished-teaching-creation-bible-kids-other-faiths-false-gods-218300/ UK School Punished for Teaching Creation, Bible; Kids Saying Other Faiths Follow 'False Gods']. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved March 9, 2018.</ref> These are only a few of many examples of social persecution in the West, regarding numerous subjects, including [[creation science]], the [[Evolution|pseudoscientific theory of evolution]], and homosexuality.

*In 2014, the UK government banned the teaching of creationism in every school that receives government funding.<ref>Sevcik, JC (June 18, 2014). [https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/06/18/Teaching-creationism-as-scientifically-valid-now-banned-in-all-UK-public-schools/5631403128922/ Teaching creationism as scientifically valid now banned in all UK public schools]. ''UPI''. Retrieved March 9, 2018.</ref> In 2016, a teacher at an [[Anglican]] school in  Oswaldtwistle, [[Lancashire]] was harshly criticized for stating on [[Twitter]] (in response to another teacher) that "Evolution is not a fact. That’s why it’s called a theory! There’s more evidence that the Bible is true."<ref>Turpin, Simon (February 4, 2016). [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/simon-turpin/2016/02/04/teacher-ridiculed-saying-evolution-not-fact/ Teacher Ridiculed for Saying Evolution Is Not a Fact]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved January 10, 2017.</ref> In 2018, the UK Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills gave a Christian school its lowest ranking possible for quality of learning because it taught creationism and integrated its biblical values into its curriculum (aka. giving its students a Christian education, as a Christian school).<ref>Burgess, Kaya (February 16, 2018). [https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/primary-pupils-taught-creationism-in-science-lessons-at-kings-kids-christian-school-z66p6vc90 Primary pupils taught creationism in science lessons at Kings Kids Christian School]. ''The Times''. Retrieved March 9, 2018.</ref><ref>Kumar, Anugrah (February 18, 2018). [https://www.christianpost.com/news/uk-school-punished-teaching-creation-bible-kids-other-faiths-false-gods-218300/ UK School Punished for Teaching Creation, Bible; Kids Saying Other Faiths Follow 'False Gods']. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved March 9, 2018.</ref> These are only a few of many examples of social persecution in the West, regarding numerous subjects, including [[creation science]], the [[Evolution|pseudoscientific theory of evolution]], and homosexuality.

*In early 2017, two Christian street preachers in [[Bristol]] were convicted for quoting the [[King James Bible]] in public because they supposedly used "threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person . . . and the offence was religiously aggravated."<ref>Turpin, Simon (March 6, 2017). [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/simon-turpin/2017/03/06/loss-free-speech-uk-and-how-we-should-react-christians/ The Loss of Free Speech in the UK and How We Should React as Christians]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved March 9, 2017.</ref>

*In early 2017, two Christian street preachers in [[Bristol]] were convicted for quoting the [[King James Bible]] in public because they supposedly used "threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person . . . and the offence was religiously aggravated."<ref>Turpin, Simon (March 6, 2017). [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/simon-turpin/2017/03/06/loss-free-speech-uk-and-how-we-should-react-christians/ The Loss of Free Speech in the UK and How We Should React as Christians]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved March 9, 2017.</ref>

*In November 2017, [[Tim Farron]], a Christian and the former leader of the Liberal Democratic Party who resigned due to the incompatibility of his faith and his position, admitted that social persecution of Christianity is a real thing and that the culture sees it as dangerous.<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (November 29, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/11/29/lib-democrat-tim-farron-warns-that-christians-now-deemed-as-dangerous-and-unsuitable-for-politics/ Liberal Democrat Tim Farron Warns That Christians Now Deemed as ‘Dangerous’ and Unsuitable for Politics]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 29, 2017.</ref>

*In November 2017, [[Tim Farron]], a Christian and the former leader of the Liberal Democratic Party who resigned due to the incompatibility of his faith and his position, admitted that social persecution of Christianity is a real thing and that the culture sees it as dangerous.<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (November 29, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/11/29/lib-democrat-tim-farron-warns-that-christians-now-deemed-as-dangerous-and-unsuitable-for-politics/ Liberal Democrat Tim Farron Warns That Christians Now Deemed as ‘Dangerous’ and Unsuitable for Politics]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 29, 2017.</ref>

*An NHS doctor with 26 years of experience was fired in 2018 because he insisted on identifying patients by their biological gender rather than whatever the patients claimed to be.<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (July 10, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/07/10/christian-doctor-fired-uk-suggesting-gender-biological/ Christian Doctor Fired in UK for Suggesting Gender Is Biological]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 10, 2018.</ref>

*An NHS doctor with 26 years of experience was fired in 2018 because he insisted on identifying patients by their biological gender rather than whatever the patients claimed to be.<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (July 10, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/07/10/christian-doctor-fired-uk-suggesting-gender-biological/ Christian Doctor Fired in UK for Suggesting Gender Is Biological]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 10, 2018.</ref>

*Speaking at a [[Pink News]] event, the UK House Speaker John Bercow stated that LGBT "rights" must supersede religious freedom.<ref>Freiburger, Calvin (July 6, 2018). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/uk-house-speaker-lgbt-rights-has-to-trump-religious-liberty UK House speaker: LGBT rights ‘has to trump’ religious liberty]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved July 19, 2018.</ref>

*Speaking at a [[Pink News]] event, the UK House Speaker John Bercow stated that LGBT "rights" must supersede religious freedom.<ref>Freiburger, Calvin (July 6, 2018). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/uk-house-speaker-lgbt-rights-has-to-trump-religious-liberty UK House speaker: LGBT rights ‘has to trump’ religious liberty]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved July 19, 2018.</ref>

;France

;France

*In 2016, the [[France|French]] Senate passed a bill making it illegal to post [[pro-life]] information on the internet.<ref name="ProLifeBan">McMorris, Bill (December 7, 2016). [http://freebeacon.com/issues/french-senate-passes-pro-life-website-ban/ French Senate Passes Pro-Life Website Ban]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref> In February 2017, both houses of the French parliament passed the bill, with the National Assembly's more severe and broad wording ultimately being adopted.<ref>Multiple references:

*In 2016, the [[France|French]] Senate passed a bill making it illegal to post [[pro-life]] information on the internet.<ref name="ProLifeBan">McMorris, Bill (December 7, 2016). [https://freebeacon.com/issues/french-senate-passes-pro-life-website-ban/ French Senate Passes Pro-Life Website Ban]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved January 9, 2017.</ref> In February 2017, both houses of the French parliament passed the bill, with the National Assembly's more severe and broad wording ultimately being adopted.<ref>Multiple references:

*Smits, Jeanne (February 17, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/france-approves-restrictive-law-targeting-pro-life-websites France passes law imposing up to two years prison for running pro-life websites]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved February 11, 2018.

*Smits, Jeanne (February 17, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/france-approves-restrictive-law-targeting-pro-life-websites France passes law imposing up to two years prison for running pro-life websites]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved February 11, 2018.

*Byas, Steve (February 21, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/europe/item/25430-france-criminalizes-pro-life-speech France Criminalizes Pro-life Speech]. ''The New American''. Retrieved February 11, 2018.

*Byas, Steve (February 21, 2017). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/europe/item/25430-france-criminalizes-pro-life-speech France Criminalizes Pro-life Speech]. ''The New American''. Retrieved February 11, 2018.

*Camp, Frank (February 19, 2017). [https://www.dailywire.com/news/13626/france-passes-speech-law-could-cripple-pro-life-frank-camp France Passes Speech Law That Could Cripple the Pro-Life Movement]. ''The Daily Wire''. Retrieved February 11, 2018.</ref> As of March 2017, the bill was being reviewed by France's Constitutional Council.<ref>Hurd, Dale (March 11, 2017). [https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2017/march/new-law-could-strangle-french-pro-life-movement Strangling the Pro-Life Movement: What in the World Is Going on in France?]. ''CBN News''. Retrieved February 11, 2018.</ref> Regardless, this law would effectively criminalize the freedom of speech (at least on the internet) of those who support the true human right to life for unborn human beings,<ref name="ProLifeBan"/> and it illustrates the opposition to equal rights in the country.<ref>Morrison, Robert (April 4, 2017). [http://thefederalist.com/2017/04/04/france-reneges-equal-rights-banning-pro-life-websites/ France Reneges On Equal Rights For All By Banning Pro-Life Websites]. ''The Federalist''. Retrieved February 11, 2018.</ref> France is already spiritually dead.

*Camp, Frank (February 19, 2017). [https://www.dailywire.com/news/13626/france-passes-speech-law-could-cripple-pro-life-frank-camp France Passes Speech Law That Could Cripple the Pro-Life Movement]. ''The Daily Wire''. Retrieved February 11, 2018.</ref> As of March 2017, the bill was being reviewed by France's Constitutional Council.<ref>Hurd, Dale (March 11, 2017). [https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2017/march/new-law-could-strangle-french-pro-life-movement Strangling the Pro-Life Movement: What in the World Is Going on in France?]. ''CBN News''. Retrieved February 11, 2018.</ref> Regardless, this law would effectively criminalize the freedom of speech (at least on the internet) of those who support the true human right to life for unborn human beings,<ref name="ProLifeBan"/> and it illustrates the opposition to equal rights in the country.<ref>Morrison, Robert (April 4, 2017). [https://thefederalist.com/2017/04/04/france-reneges-equal-rights-banning-pro-life-websites/ France Reneges On Equal Rights For All By Banning Pro-Life Websites]. ''The Federalist''. Retrieved February 11, 2018.</ref> France is already spiritually dead.

;Germany

;Germany

*Ham, Ken (September 22, 2013). [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2013/09/22/germany-against-homeschooling/ Germany Against Homeschooling]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.

*Ham, Ken (September 22, 2013). [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2013/09/22/germany-against-homeschooling/ Germany Against Homeschooling]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.

*Crossland, Kiley (April 17, 2017). [http://www.bpnews.net/48684/german-family-continues-fight-to-homeschool German family continues fight to homeschool]. ''Baptist Press''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.

*Crossland, Kiley (April 17, 2017). [http://www.bpnews.net/48684/german-family-continues-fight-to-homeschool German family continues fight to homeschool]. ''Baptist Press''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.

*Mitchell, Elizabeth (September 7, 2013). [https://answersingenesis.org/homeschool/government-seizes-homeschooling-childrenwhose-kids-are-they/ Government Seizes Homeschooling Children—Whose Kids Are They?] ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.</ref> In 2008, a German homeschooling family traveled to the U.S. and applied for asylum,<ref name="HomeschoolAsylum">Huston, Warner Todd (February 1, 2010). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2010/02/01/homeschooling-german-family-awarded-political-asylum-in-us-where-is-us-media/ Homeschooling German Family Awarded Political Asylum in U.S., Where is U.S. Media?] ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.</ref> something which they were guaranteed in 2014.<ref name="DHShomeschool">Berry, Susan (March 4, 2014). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2014/03/04/department-of-homeland-security-will-not-deport-romeike-german-homeschoolers/ Homeland Security Will Not Deport German Christian Homeschoolers the Romeikes]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.</ref>

*Mitchell, Elizabeth (September 7, 2013). [https://answersingenesis.org/homeschool/government-seizes-homeschooling-childrenwhose-kids-are-they/ Government Seizes Homeschooling Children—Whose Kids Are They?] ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.</ref> In 2008, a German homeschooling family traveled to the U.S. and applied for asylum,<ref name="HomeschoolAsylum">Huston, Warner Todd (February 1, 2010). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2010/02/01/homeschooling-german-family-awarded-political-asylum-in-us-where-is-us-media/ Homeschooling German Family Awarded Political Asylum in U.S., Where is U.S. Media?] ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.</ref> something which they were guaranteed in 2014.<ref name="DHShomeschool">Berry, Susan (March 4, 2014). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2014/03/04/department-of-homeland-security-will-not-deport-romeike-german-homeschoolers/ Homeland Security Will Not Deport German Christian Homeschoolers the Romeikes]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.</ref>

;Sweden

;Sweden

*In 2017, a [[Sweden|Swedish]] local government unit forced a Christian preschool to ban prayer to God under the country's Education Act, but the preschoolers were subsequently instructed to thank the sun and the rain before meals.<ref>Chretien, Claire (June 28, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/christian-preschool-switches-to-thanking-the-sun-and-rain-before-meals-afte Gov’t bans prayer to God; Christian preschool forced to thank ‘sun and rain’ for meals instead]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Hale, Virginia (June 26, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/06/26/christian-preschool-banned-saying-amen/ Christian Preschoolers Banned from Saying ‘Amen’, Talking About the Bible]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2017/june/preschoolers-in-sweden-banned-from-saying-amen-mentioning-the-bible Preschoolers in Sweden Banned from Saying 'Amen,' Mentioning the Bible]. ''CBN News''. June 29, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref> Also in 2017, the Prime Minister of Sweden stated in an interview that Swedish state church priests should "marry" homosexual couples regardless of what they think of it, and that they should leave their positions if they don't do it.<ref>Multiple references:

*In 2017, a [[Sweden|Swedish]] local government unit forced a Christian preschool to ban prayer to God under the country's Education Act, but the preschoolers were subsequently instructed to thank the sun and the rain before meals.<ref>Chretien, Claire (June 28, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/christian-preschool-switches-to-thanking-the-sun-and-rain-before-meals-afte Gov’t bans prayer to God; Christian preschool forced to thank ‘sun and rain’ for meals instead]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Hale, Virginia (June 26, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/06/26/christian-preschool-banned-saying-amen/ Christian Preschoolers Banned from Saying ‘Amen’, Talking About the Bible]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2017/june/preschoolers-in-sweden-banned-from-saying-amen-mentioning-the-bible Preschoolers in Sweden Banned from Saying 'Amen,' Mentioning the Bible]. ''CBN News''. June 29, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref> Also in 2017, the Prime Minister of Sweden stated in an interview that Swedish state church priests should "marry" homosexual couples regardless of what they think of it, and that they should leave their positions if they don't do it.<ref>Multiple references:

*Chretien, Claire (June 28, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/swedish-pm-priests-unwilling-to-marry-same-sex-couples-should-do-something Swedish PM: Priests unwilling to ‘marry’ same-sex couples should ‘do something else’]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.

*Chretien, Claire (June 28, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/swedish-pm-priests-unwilling-to-marry-same-sex-couples-should-do-something Swedish PM: Priests unwilling to ‘marry’ same-sex couples should ‘do something else’]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.

*Tomlinson, Chris (August 6, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/06/24/swedish-pm-wants-force-priests-marry-sex-couples/ Swedish PM to Force Priests to Conduct Gay Marriages, Compares them With Abortions]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.

*Tomlinson, Chris (August 6, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/06/24/swedish-pm-wants-force-priests-marry-sex-couples/ Swedish PM to Force Priests to Conduct Gay Marriages, Compares them With Abortions]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.

*[https://www.thelocal.se/20170623/all-priests-should-wed-same-sex-couples-swedish-pm 'All priests should wed same-sex couples': Swedish PM]. ''The Local''. June 23, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2017.

*[https://www.thelocal.se/20170623/all-priests-should-wed-same-sex-couples-swedish-pm 'All priests should wed same-sex couples': Swedish PM]. ''The Local''. June 23, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2017.

*Hurd, Dale (June 23, 2017). [http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2017/june/swedish-prime-minister-priests-should-be-forced-to-perform-same-sex-weddings Swedish Prime Minister: Priests Should Be Forced to Perform Same-Sex Weddings]. ''CBN News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref> In 2017, the Swedish Labour Court of Appeal ruled that a [[pro-life]] midwife can be forced to perform abortions even if she objects.<ref>Chretien, Claire (April 12, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/swedish-court-denies-pro-life-midwifes-appeal-its-reasonable-for-employer-t Pro-life midwife can be forced to do abortions, court rules]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref> As of August 2017, the case is being appealed in the [[European Court of Human Rights]].<ref>Chretien, Claire (April 21, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pro-life-midwife-ordered-to-do-abortions-to-keep-job-takes-case-to-european Pro-life midwife ordered to do abortions or lose her job takes case to European human rights court]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref>

*Hurd, Dale (June 23, 2017). [http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2017/june/swedish-prime-minister-priests-should-be-forced-to-perform-same-sex-weddings Swedish Prime Minister: Priests Should Be Forced to Perform Same-Sex Weddings]. ''CBN News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref> In 2017, the Swedish Labour Court of Appeal ruled that a [[pro-life]] midwife can be forced to perform abortions even if she objects.<ref>Chretien, Claire (April 12, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/swedish-court-denies-pro-life-midwifes-appeal-its-reasonable-for-employer-t Pro-life midwife can be forced to do abortions, court rules]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref> As of August 2017, the case is being appealed in the [[European Court of Human Rights]].<ref>Chretien, Claire (April 21, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pro-life-midwife-ordered-to-do-abortions-to-keep-job-takes-case-to-european Pro-life midwife ordered to do abortions or lose her job takes case to European human rights court]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref>

*In June 2018, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled against an explicitly Christian law school, saying that is was "proportionate and reasonable" for some Canadian law societies to deny accreditation to the school's graduates because the school opposed homosexuality due to its Christian values.<ref>Multiple references:

*In June 2018, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled against an explicitly Christian law school, saying that is was "proportionate and reasonable" for some Canadian law societies to deny accreditation to the school's graduates because the school opposed homosexuality due to its Christian values.<ref>Multiple references:

*Laurence, Lianne (June 15, 2018). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/canadas-top-court-rules-religious-freedom Canada’s top court rules against Christian law school: LGBT ‘rights’ trump religious freedom]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved June 17, 2018.

*Laurence, Lianne (June 15, 2018). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/canadas-top-court-rules-religious-freedom Canada’s top court rules against Christian law school: LGBT ‘rights’ trump religious freedom]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved June 17, 2018.

*Williams, Thomas D. (June 19, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/06/19/canada-rules-no-exemption-regarding-sexual-morality-for-christian-law-school/ Canada Court: No Exemption on Sexual Morality for Christian Law School]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 19, 2018.

*Williams, Thomas D. (June 19, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/06/19/canada-rules-no-exemption-regarding-sexual-morality-for-christian-law-school/ Canada Court: No Exemption on Sexual Morality for Christian Law School]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 19, 2018.

*Clabough, Raven (June 20, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/north-america/item/29320-christian-canadian-law-school-denied-accreditation-because-of-its-belief-in-traditional-marriage Christian Canadian Law School Denied Accreditation Because of Its Belief in Traditional Marriage]. ''The New American''. Retrieved June 20, 2018.

*Clabough, Raven (June 20, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/north-america/item/29320-christian-canadian-law-school-denied-accreditation-because-of-its-belief-in-traditional-marriage Christian Canadian Law School Denied Accreditation Because of Its Belief in Traditional Marriage]. ''The New American''. Retrieved June 20, 2018.

See also:

See also: