The International Association of Freethought meeting at its founding convention, adopted the following resolution:
On the eve of the forthcoming visit to Spain of Mr. Ratzinger, head of the Catholic Church, from August 19 to 21, we protest against the Spanish authorities because they compromise themselves with a person who is the head of an authoritarian, misogynistic and anti-democratic group. We also protest against the fact that the Spanish authorities have made the trip financed by citizens who do not share these ideas, which is compounded by the fact that this country is going through a deep economic crisis.
We support all actions in protest taking place in many cities, despite the opposition of the authorities, which do not respect the non-denominational character of the state under the Spanish Constitution.
Oslo, August 10th, 2011