The European Journey reaches the Swiss border at Ferney Voltaire, where the Chief of the Border Police (centre) greets them from a temporary stage his officers built for the occasion.
he federal Swiss government has largely upheld religious and cultural pluralism in this nation of linguistic and religious diversity, where the Swiss political system grants wide-ranging autonomy to individual cantons. The German-speaking cantons and Ticino have proven tolerant of religious diversity and have made efforts to resist attempts from abroad, notably Germany and France, to manipulate Swiss officials and lawmakers to adopt anti-religious measures crafted by these countries. However, undoubtedly influenced by anti-religious propaganda in France, in February 1997, and again in 1998, the French-speaking canton of Geneva released a report which advocated legislation against alleged “mind control” and recommended against hiring minority religious members in government positions. A Canton of Geneva Commission subsequently issued a series of proposals which called for inter-cantonal cooperation to follow the example of Geneva, cantonal funding of private groups aimed at combatting religious minorities, and legislation enabling these groups to become parties in court cases involving minority religions.
Switzerland hosts the human rights headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva. Members of the European Journey conducted a series of religious freedom events in the country and visited U.N. human rights officials to express their concerns. After the Journey was concluded, the Proclamation for Religious Freedom, signed by thousands from all over the world, was formally presented to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Enroute to Lausanne, two Swiss children hold the Torch of Freedom.
| Previous | Glossary | Contents | Next |
| Your View | Related Sites | Bookstore | Home Page |
© 1999-2004 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.
For Trademark Information on Scientology Services.
