The Supreme Court of Norway ruled in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses on April 30, 2026. The court overturned a deregistration and subsidy ban imposed by the Norwegian government. This decision affirms the group’s rights against government restrictions.
The case began in 2021 when former member Rolf Johan Furuli filed a petition. The Norwegian government had denied Jehovah’s Witnesses access to state subsidies for 30 years under Section 16 of the Norwegian constitution. The court determined that the government’s actions violated the group’s right to religious freedom.
Furthermore, the court found that the government could not demonstrate that Jehovah’s Witnesses’ practice of shunning ex-members constituted coercion or psychological violence. The ruling is final and cannot be appealed.
Jehovah’s Witnesses expressed satisfaction with the outcome. They stated that this positive decision resulted from a thorough review of their bible-based beliefs and practices.
Key facts:
- The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses, overturning a deregistration and subsidy ban.
- The case began in 2021 following a petition by Rolf Johan Furuli.
- The government had denied state subsidies for 30 years under Section 16 of the Norwegian constitution.
- The court found no evidence that shunning ex-members constituted coercion.
This ruling is significant for religious freedom in Norway. It highlights the importance of protecting minority faiths from government interference.
