Italians Cross Over Crucifix Ban
2009-11-6 9:50
A maths lesson at a Rome school and as usual the pupils work under the gaze of Jesus.
Many classrooms in this largely Catholic country have a crucifix on the wall
— but not for much longer.
The European Court of Human Rights has ordered the removal of all crucifixes.
It's decided they could disturb non-Christian children
— but many Italians aren't impressed.
[Zenat, Student]:
"Just because there's a crucifix and I am a Muslim doesn't mean I can't continue to respect my religion. It doesn't mean I will have to change my religion. Jesus (the crucifix) in the classroom doesn't bother me."
[Mother of Pupil Teresa Costa]:
"I think there must be freedom of religion and everyone should be able to express their religious beliefs but I also think that we cannot deny Italy is a country with a strong Catholic tradition. I think crucifixes have always been in classrooms and I don't see why they should be removed."
The Vatican has greeted the decision with "astonishment and regret."
[Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican Spokesman]:
"The crucifix has always been a sign of the offering of God's love and of unity and acceptance for all mankind. It is sad that this should be considered as a sign of division, exclusion or limitation of freedom."
Most Italian newspapers treated the story as headline news and there was cross party condemnation.
But it was a taxi driver who summed up many people's feelings.
[Vincenzo Scuto, Taxi Driver]:
"I think it is nonsense. The crucifixes should stay where they are."
Italy plans to appeal the ruling arguing that crucifixes have been a fixture of Italian life for many centuries.
They say few pupils have been bothered by them in the past
— a cross on their work is the ones they want to avoid.
