News by email Donate

Suggestions

Facebook
Facebook
World News

Christian politician raises concerns over Switzerland's new homophobia law

by Heather Preston

A Christian politician says a new law banning homophobia in Switzerland threatens the freedom of speech of Christians.

Sixty-two per cent of Swiss voters agreed to criminalise discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in a referendum on Sunday.

The amendment expands existing antidiscrimination legislation which safeguards race, ethnicity and religion to include protection for the LGBTQ community.

Christian evangelical party UDF opposed the amendment, saying it went beyond just outlawing hate. 

UDF MP Samuel Kullmann told Premier the party is concerned for the limitations it could bring to the freedom of speech for Christians. 

He said: "In Finland, a Member of Parliament from the Christian Democrats was questioned by the police numerous times simply for posting a Bible verse on her Twitter account. And she was even questioned for a booklet she wrote 15 years ago about her view on Christian ethics and marriage."

"In almost every country that has passed a similar law, we find examples that show that it's actually much more than what most Christians would understand as hate speech."

Kullmann went on to clarify that the party is in no way condoning hate speech or "being rude to people," but says that in practice, these laws can infringe on the freedom of conscience of Christians.

Under the amended law, homophobic comments made in public would be punishable with up to three years in prison. This includes television broadcasts, social media posts, and discrimination against gay or bisexual people in public venues.
 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate