HL Deb 04 November 1998 vol 594 cc53-4WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, following the implementation of a friendly settlement of the case for recognition brought by the Jehovah's Witnesses against the Government of Bulgaria, they will take initiative in the Council of Europe to promote harmonisation of the law on religious liberties throughout all member states. [HL3481]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The European Convention on Human Rights and other core human rights instruments of the Council of Europe and United Nations set clear principles to be applied by states to protect the right of everyone to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The UK Government press states to adhere to these principles. But against a background of diverse histories, legal systems and social circumstances among states, including the member states of the Council of Europe, states should and do have some discretion in deciding how best to apply these principles.