Controversial Slovakian deputy Anna Zaborska says Christians in Europe face “persecution.” She told a parliamentary debate that “all people who held Christian beliefs need to be aware of this danger.”

Addressing a discussion on religious freedom, the centre-right MEP said, “I wonder if there will be new period of persecution of Christians? Do you remember that the European court of human rights ruled that a crucifix in a public space hurts the freedom of belief for citizens? This persecution in Europe is not an ordinary persecution. The Roman empire is over where Christians ended up in prison or served as dinner for a lion. The modern form of persecution may be hidden, sophisticated and a socially-accepted persecution.”

She added, “We need to be aware of this hidden danger and to stand up. “The time is over when Christians were somehow protected and automatically protected.”

She told the faith event, organised by MEPs, “Christian lawmakers must defend the freedom of parents regarding society’s protection of minors and freedom from modern forms of slavery as well as drug abuse and prostitution.”

Estonian MEP Tunne Kelam, attending the same event, said, “I agree with what she is saying and I think a lot of others will to. Basically, there is a feeling that a militant minority is trying to dictate the political agenda. Christians themselves feel as though they are now in a minority, tolerated at best and, at worst, excluded from the mainstream political debate.”