STRASBOURG - PACE has defeated the tabled Resolution "On the protection of freedom of religion or belief in the workplace". The draft resolution and report presented serious human rights violations. Far from combatting discrimination based on belief or conviction, the proposed motion would have given a privileged position to claims based on religious beliefs over other, thus sowing discord between employees and increasing conflicts, not reducing them. Accommodating religious demands at the workplace could also come at the expense of the rights of LBGTIQ people, as religious claims are often used to discriminate against them. It inappropriately applied the concept of “reasonable accommodation” to freedom of religion or belief in the workplace, which leads to undermining and restricting the human rights of others, in particular, sexual and reproductive rights (notably the access to safe and legal abortion or to contraceptives) and the rights of LGBTIQ people.
The author of this draft resolution, Hon. Davor Ivo Stier, MP (Croatia / EPP) is a well know anti-choice politician from Croatia. He is well connected to anti-choice groups in Croatia, including Vigilare foundation with whom he i.a. inaugurated the Festival of tradition and conservative ideas aiming to push back “advanced and militant ideas and policies that seek to destroy the original traditional, conservative and Christian foundations of culture in Croatia”. PACE members proposed relevant amendments to bring the resolution in line with human rights standards. They stressed, that while freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right, its manifestation must not lead to discrimination or violate the human rights and freedoms of others.
EPF is happy to continue working with parliamentarians at the Council of Europe, who were able to mobilise to make this achievement possible.
On 28 January, EPF conducted its regular Luncheon on Reproductive Rights, with Parliamentarians from Austria, Germany, Poland and Sweden. The main topic of this luncheon was to present to the Members the newly launched Cervical Cancer Prevention Policies Atlas for Europe. Parliamentarians appreciated the study and looked for ways to use it at their parliaments to advance women health.