The Supreme Court of Norway has delivered a landmark ruling on April 30, 2026, favoring Jehovah’s Witnesses and affirming their rights against government restrictions. This decision overturns a three-decade-long ban on state subsidies and deregistration imposed by the Norwegian government.
The legal battle began in 2021 when Rolf Johan Furuli, a former member of the faith, petitioned against the government’s actions. For 30 years, the Norwegian government had denied Jehovah’s Witnesses access to state subsidies under Section 16 of the Norwegian constitution.
The court found that the government’s attempts to restrict Jehovah’s Witnesses violated their right to religious freedom. In its ruling, the court stated that the government could not prove that the practice of shunning ex-members amounted to coercion or psychological violence.
Jehovah’s Witnesses expressed relief and gratitude following the decision. They stated, “This positive decision resulted from the court thoroughly reviewing our bible-based beliefs and practices and determining that they are fully in harmony with Norwegian and international law.” This ruling is final and cannot be appealed.
Historically, Jehovah’s Witnesses had enjoyed state subsidies for three decades before these were revoked. The recent ruling reinstates their rights and may pave the way for future discussions about religious freedoms in Norway.
As this case unfolded, it highlighted broader issues surrounding religious freedoms not just in Norway but globally. The implications of this ruling may resonate with other faith communities facing similar challenges.
Evelyn Mensah
Ama Serwah