Alliance Defending Freedom honored with human dignity award

UPPSALA, Sweden — The Scandinavian Human Rights Committee has awarded Alliance Defending Freedom the 2012 Scandinavian Human Dignity Award, saying that “the organization has truly become a global force and a great Scandinavian partner.”

The award “is presented to a person or an organization which has made a special contribution to human rights, all of which derive from the inherent dignity of the human person and are essential for his free and full development.”

“The protection of freedom, life, and family are essential to human dignity in any society. That’s what’s behind the work of Alliance Defending Freedom and why we are humbled to receive this award,” said Senior Legal Counsel Roger Kiska, who accepted the award at a ceremony Wednesday. “The work we do worldwide to protect and preserve religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, and marriage and family is a great honor and responsibility. It’s a passion we would not be able to pursue without the many supporters who share this passion with us.”

Specifically, as noted on the award’s website, “The Scandinavian Human Rights Committee finds that Alliance Defending Freedom during the last years has encouraged action to overcome infringements of human rights in Europe and has promoted a greater understanding of and respect for human dignity. The battles fought in courts and legislatures to promote the dignity of the human person, the rights of conscience and other fundamental human rights make the organization worthy of the Scandinavian Human Dignity Award 2012.”