Anti-cult organizations in France: Threats to freedom of speech and religion

 

On

April 9, 2024, France passed a new law against cults despite objections from the Senate and significant opposition in the National Assembly. The law, which aims to "strengthen the fight against sectarian deviations," has sparked numerous debates and protests from human rights defenders and religion experts.

Key provisions of the law

Under the new law, France introduces a new offense - "incitement to refuse necessary medical or prophylactic treatment." The penalty for this offense includes up to one year of imprisonment and a fine. The law also strengthens measures against cults by allowing anti-cult organizations to participate in legal proceedings as civil parties and encouraging judges and prosecutors to consult the government anti-cult agency, MIVILUDES.

Criticism and concerns

Experts warn that this law poses a threat to freedom of speech and scientific debate. The Council of State recommended excluding the provision on the new offense, but the government ignored this recommendation. Dr. Raffaella di Marcio, an Italian expert in psychology of religion, expressed serious concerns in a letter to the French Senate regarding this bill. She argues that theories of "consciousness manipulation" and "psychological submission," upon which many anti-cult measures are based, lack scientific basis and could lead to discrimination against religious minorities.

Consequences for religious freedom

The approval of this law raises concerns among human rights defenders. They fear that anti-cult measures could be used to suppress religious minorities and restrict religious freedom. Leading international scholars highlight that France is becoming one of the worst places in the democratic world for religious freedom and freedom of thought.

This bill has sparked extensive debates and protests. To learn more about the criticism and consequences of the new law, read the original article.

#AntiCultOrganizations #FreedomOfSpeech #ReligiousFreedom

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