The new decision from the government means that it will be easier to deny support to organizations that “work against society’s fundamental values”. Societies that, for example, use threats or violence, try to force young people into conversion therapy or deny women divorce will not receive government funding.
– We know this happens, says Jeanette Gustafsdotter.
– Such organizations offend individuals, segment segregation and divide our society.
The new laws and amendments are proposed to enter into force on 1 January 2023.
An investigation into foreign financing will be added this autumn
Currently, registered religious communities in Sweden are financed with the help of membership fees and government grants through the Authority for support to religious communities. In addition to this, the associations have the opportunity to apply for financial support abroad.
The Minister of Culture tells TT that foreign funding of religious activities in Sweden should not go to violent extremism. She also promises that an investigation into the matter will be added this autumn.
Can lead to religious extremism
As early as May 27, ministers raised the problem that religious communities can be financed by foreign countries. The proposal they submitted at the time was that the religious communities, in order to receive state support, would mainly be financed with money from members in Sweden.
“The government will do what is necessary to stop foreign funding that spreads violent extremism,” wrote Culture Minister Jeanette Gustafsdotter (S) and Migration Minister Anders Ygeman (S) in a debate article in Gothenburg Post.
According to the debate article, foreign funding of religious communities can lead to “conservative forces” in the Middle East, the USA and Eastern Europe gaining increased power over the activities.