ECLJ: Italian Crucifix Decision - A "Great Victory for Europe"
March 18, 2011
(Strasbourg, France) - The European Court for Human Rights has ruled Italy has the right to have crucifixes in the country's schools. The decision by the Grande Chambre overturns an earlier decision from November 2009 when the court found Italy guilty of violating religious freedom. The case, brought by Sole Lautsi, an Italian citizen, was appealed.
In today's decision, the Court said it found no evidence "that the display of such a symbol on classroom walls might have an influence on pupils."
The European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) was deeply involved in this case. As a third party in that case (amicus curiae), the ECLJ submitted written observations to the Court and also organized a seminar at the Council of Europe.
ECLJ Director Grgor Puppinck called the decision "a great victory for Europe."
Puppinck notes that the Grand Chamber of the Court adopted, with a few subtle differences, almost exactly the reasoning developed by the ECLJ in its written observations.
According to Puppinck, the decision has a "deep unifying significance" with the Court preserving the deep unity and interdependence, bringing together spiritual and moral values on which European society is founded.
He added that this case presents an opportunity to show once again "that the Christian roots of Europe foster the profound identity and the social cohesion of the European continent."
The decision has implications in 47 countries. Italy and more than a dozen other countries challenged the initial ruling which said the crucifix could be disturbing to non-Christian or atheist students. They contend that the crucifix is a symbol of the continent's historic and cultural roots.
The Court's decision is posted here. You can read more about the ECLJ's involvement in this case and its reaction to this important decision here.
The European Center for Law and Justice (ECLJ) is based in Strasbourg, France. It is an affiliate of the American Center for Law and Justice.