EU Directive on Equal Treatment: What are the implications for Christians and non-Muslims alike? [Video]

EU Directive on Equal Treatment: Professor Wagner Explains Concerns

What are the implications for Christians and non-Muslims alike?

Last April, the European Parliament approved the European Union's Equal Treatment Directive. A directive is the name given to an EU law. As directives overrule national legislation, they need the approval of the European Council of Ministers before coming into effect. Next month, the Council will decide on the directive, which places the 27 EU member states under a common anti-discrimination legislation. The directive's definition of discriminatory harassment is so broad that every objection to Muslim or homosexual practices will be considered unlawful. [...]

Under the directive, harassment - defined as conduct "with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a person and of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment" - is deemed a form of discrimination.

Harassment, as vaguely defined in the directive, allows an individual to accuse someone of discrimination merely for expressing something the individual allegedly perceives as creating an "offensive environment." The definition is so broad that anyone who feels intimidated or offended can easily bring legal action against those whom he feels are responsible. Moreover, the directive shifts the burden of proof onto the accused, who has to prove the negative, i.e. demonstrate that he or she did not create an environment which intimidated or offended the complainant. If the accused fails to do so, he or she can be sentenced to paying an unlimited amount of compensation for "harassment." [...]

The same phenomenon, a lack of interest on the part of European and also American public opinion, is apparent with regard to the semi-legal initiatives taken at the level of the United Nations. On October 2nd, the UN Human Rights Council approved a free speech resolution, co-sponsored by the US and Egypt, which criticizes "negative racial and religious stereotyping." American diplomats said the decision to co-sponsor the resolution was part of America's effort to "reach out to Muslim countries." The resolution passed unanimously, with the support of all Western nations. Though the resolution has no immediate effect in law, it provides Muslim extremists with moral ammunition the next time they feel that central tenets of Islam are being treated disrespectfully through the creation of what they perceive to be an 'offensive environment.'

Jihad Watch

Christian troubles have already begun



Here is a case in the UK where Christian hostel owners - could face heavy fines - and also loss of their livelihood - because in their hotel's dining area - they had a debate with a female Muslim guest - who it seemed sparked off the intensity of the debate by saying that Jesus was a 'minor prophet', the evangelical hotels answered back Muhammad i.e. her Profit was a warlord. Muhammad - nicknamed is favorite weapons and Islam's Holy books talk of his going on raid after raid - and the destruction he wrought on the non-believer. But to the Muslim guest - this was offensive. And reported the hoteliers to the police. It is clear that by saying that Jesus was a minor prophet - to any Christian is offensive. But when they respond in kind they are arrested. Because her feelings were hurt - by what Islam says is true about Muhammad - it is the Christians who are arrested for causing offense.

>> Christian foster carer struck off register after Muslim girl converts to Christianity

The carer, who has over ten years experience looking after more than 80 children, is now challenging the local authority’s decision.

The girl, in her late teens, was interested in exploring Christianity before she was placed with the foster carer.

The carer, an Anglican who attends a local evangelical church, said: “I did initially try to discourage her.

“I offered her alternatives. I offered to find places for her to practise her own religion. I offered to take her to friends or family. But she said to me from the word go, ‘I am interested and I want to come.’ She sort of burst in.”

The Christian Institute’s Mike Judge said: “All people should be free to change or modify their religious beliefs. That surely must be a core human right in any free society.

Another case of two Christian preachers - who were handing out what was the usual Christian literature - in Birmingham - in a so-called Muslims only area. Were told by the policeman - a community cop and a Muslim - that their actions amounted to a 'hate crime' against Muslims.

"He [Muslim officer] said we were in a Muslim area and were not allowed to spread our Christian message. He said we were committing a hate crime by telling the youths to leave Islam and said that he was going to take us to the police station."

The preacher refused to give the PCSO his address because he felt the officer's manner was "threatening and intimidating".

The ministers claim he also advised them not to return to the area. As he walked away, the PCSO said: "You have been warned. If you come back here and get beaten up, well you have been warned".

But when the Bishop of Rochester - who was born in Pakistan - mentioned that Muslim no-go areas are being created in the UK - the hierarchy of the Anglican Church distanced themselves from him.