Brussels, 14/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - In a resolution from Laima Liucija Andrikiene (EPP, Lithuania) adopted on 13 June, the European Parliament calls on the European Union to promote the freedom of religion and belief. MEPs recall that freedom of religion or belief, as well as freedom of expression, are mutually reinforcing rights and that modern media tools allow for a greater degree of interconnectedness between cultures and faiths. Steps must therefore be taken, say MEPs, to avoid intercultural violence as a reaction against acts of freedom of expression, and the EU should contribute to reducing this tension, MEPs add.
The Socialists and Democrats Group of (S&D) expressed serious concern at the “very reactionary contents of this unacceptable resolution, adopted today by the conservative majority in the European Parliament”, particularly the arrangements regarding education and health, says deputy leader of the S&D Group, Véronique de Keyser (Belgium). According to the resolution, it would be impossible to criticise the teaching of creationism in schools, to prevent parents from educating their children in accordance with retrogressive principles, or to ban dangerous medical practices - in the name of freedom of religion and belief, de Keyser states. (IL/transl.fl)