Actual problems of the realization by Christians of the right to freedom of conscience and religion in the States of Western Europe

Abstract

To date, a solid legal base of the international obligations of states has been formed to guarantee the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Compliance with these guarantees is ensured at the international level by the existence of a developed system of statutory and contractual control mechanisms, within which states report on the fulfillment of their obligations. Nevertheless, despite the existence of a well-developed international legal system for protecting the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, the problems of the realization of this right, including persecution and discrimination based on religion, are acute in many countries of Western Europe. Moreover, the problems of the realization of the right to freedom of conscience and religion arise, as a rule, among the followers of Christianity, the culture-forming religion of most states of Western Europe. The article discusses the main problems and causes of discrimination against Christians in Western Europe. It contains examples of the practice of national courts and the European Court of Human Rights in the field of discrimination against Christians in Western European countries are given. The consequences of the «policy of tolerance» promoted by the countries of Western Europe at the international level as the main «value» of a democratic society, in connection with discrimination against Christians, are analyzed.