BRIEFING NOTE Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe – Draft Resolution “Tackling intolerance and discrimination in Europe with a special focus on Christians” Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination | Rapporteur: Mr Valeriu GHILEŢCHI, Republic of Moldova, EPP Debate and vote: 26-30 January 2015 plenary session Religious intolerance and discrimination are on the rise in Europe and affect both minorities and majorities. Christians are no exception to this, as numerous acts of violence, vandalism and other forms of discrimination, intolerance, marginalisation and hatred have been recorded in recent years, targeting Christians (be it individuals, religious buildings or property) in many of the Council of Europe’s 47 Member States, whether belonging to majorities or minorities. To address this issue specifically, Moldova MP Mr Valeriu Ghileţchi drafted a resolution for to be debated for adoption by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Mr Ghileţchi’s proposal, unanimously supported by PACE’s Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination, posits that European governments should promote a culture of tolerance and “living together” based on the acceptance of religious pluralism, protect the peaceful exercise of freedom of assembly, uphold the fundamental right to freedom of expression and publicly condemn the use of and incitement to violence. The draft resolution (with its explanatory memorandum) [available here]:

1	Underlines and documents the upsurge of intolerance and discrimination against Christians, including in Western Europe, as well as existing solutions;
2	Frames the issue in the wider, universal human rights context, pleading for freedom of conscience, thought and religion or belief, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and educational freedoms—for all;
3	Calls for concrete, rights-honouring and pro-social remedies against the current drift, with an emphasis on reasonable accommodation to fight indirect discrimination of Christians especially in the workplace, and other means to promote the full and equal participation of Christians in society.

We urge our PACE Members of Parliament to show their support for our freedoms where they are under threat, and the inclusion of all citizens in an open, pluralist and democratic society. ATTEND THE DEBATE due to be held at PACE 26-30 January 2015 plenary session in Strasbourg, France VOTE in support of this resolution