Italy Appeals Crucifix Ban

(February 06, 2010) The Italian government is appealing a November ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that crucifix in public school classrooms are a violation of freedom. The Italian appeal defends the crucifix as "one of the symbols of our history and our identity." "Christianity represents the roots of our culture, what we are today," the text of the appeal states. "The display of the crucifix in schools should not be seen so much for its religious meaning but as reference to the history and tradition of Italy. "The presence of the crucifix in class remits also to a moral message that transcends secular values and does not infringe the right to adhere or not adhere to a religion." The European Convention on Human Rights foresees that the Grand Chamber can consider an appeal if a case raises "a serious question" on the interpretation of the convention.