The document, which aims to protect the personal, political, and social rights of the citizens of the European Union, was approved in draft form
A new Charter of Fundamental Rights could play an important role in ensuring justice and freedom within member countries of the European Union, says John Graz, director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department.
“As the European Union is on the way to integrating several new countries, each with a different culture and history, it is important to have such a charter protecting people in all European Union territories-present and future,” says Graz.
The document, which aims to protect the personal, political, and social rights of the citizens of the European Union, was approved in draft form by members of the drafting convention on October 2 and 3. A vote on ratification of the document is due to take place later this year. Questions remain as to whether the charter will eventually be incorporated into the Treaty on European Union, thus becoming legally binding on all member countries.
Graz believes the charter should be given legal force and be “understood as a requirement” for all European Union countries. He notes that Article 21 of the new charter, dealing with non-discrimination, and Article 22, relating to diversity, challenge the current policy of some European Union members.
“Reports coming from some European countries show that religious discrimination is affecting school children, teachers, and workers,” says Graz. He also refers to a so-called “list of sects,” which was recently compiled by the French parliament. (See ANN report from July 18, 2000) “To publish a list of sects and cults encourages discrimination and does not allow for religious diversity, which contradicts Articles 21 and 22 of the new charter,” says Graz. “To demonize citizens because they belong to a religious minority is not the way to promote human rights.”
Articles 10, 11, and 12 of the new charter emphasize the vital importance of freedom, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly, says Graz.
There are currently 15 member states of the European Union, including Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands. The Adventist Church, which is active in European Union member countries, is a longtime proponent of the principle of religious freedom for all people of faith.
