“We expect that not only in Germany, but throughout Europe, religious freedom and in particular the right not to believe (in the Christian God or any other) will now be consistently implemented, at least in the school sector decided here. The HVD stands by its position: we are not hostile to church or religion. However, we see the statements made by leading politicians in Italy against this ruling as a dramatic development against the separation of powers and thus the fundamental achievements of democracy and the Treaty of Lisbon. This is unacceptable,” continued Dr. Groschopp. This is not an ideological issue, as the Italian government would have us believe. Rather, the court consistently implements the legislation according to which Catholicism has no longer been regarded as a state religion since 1984.
Unfortunately, it must also be stated for Germany that the decision of the Federal Constitutional Court is not being implemented in Bavaria. In 1995, the court stated that the Christian cross is not merely a cultural symbol and not a super-religious symbol of humanity or mercy. It is the symbol of a specific religion. On the other hand, Bavaria subsequently created a new law according to which a cross can be placed in every classroom in view of Bavaria’s historical and cultural character. The HVD is now hoping for a rethink in German politics as well.
