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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009
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Court Bans Crucifixes in Italian Classrooms

Government plans to appeal European decision

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(Newser) – A European court has ruled that the presence of crucifixes in Italian classrooms violates religious freedom. In a decision denounced by Italian politicians, the court said the compulsory display of the crucifix prevents parents from raising kids with the religion of their choice and restricts the "right of children to believe or not to believe," the BBC reports. The government plans to appeal, and the Vatican said it would examine the ruling before issuing a statement.

Pope Benedict XVI holds a crucifix as he celebrates the Holy Passion of the Lord Mass in St. Peter Basilica at the Vatican, Friday, April 10, 2009.
Pope Benedict XVI holds a crucifix as he celebrates the Holy Passion of the Lord Mass in St. Peter Basilica at the Vatican, Friday, April 10, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
A crucifix hangs from a wall of a classroom in Milan, Italy.
A crucifix hangs from a wall of a classroom in Milan, Italy.   (AP Photo/Giuseppe Aresu, files)
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24 comments
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Galileo
Nov 3, 09 3:35 PM CST
When you remove religion from public schools/institutions, everybody wins! (Everybody who isn't crazy) Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+7
IN RESPONSE:
jamerican
Nov 3, 09 5:11 PM CST
This website is so full of liberal idiots who are so quick to deny God and want nothing to do with him....I am so glad you have no fear of eternity now....but you will have eternity to regret your foolishness.
Vote up! Vote down!
-6
IN RESPONSE:
DarkFrancis
Nov 3, 09 5:30 PM CST
Y'know, Jammy, there are many conservative people with no religion. I know it's hard to countenance slightly larger notions when the playing field of thought is so small, but you shoud at least try...it can be quite illuminating.
Vote up! Vote down!
+2
IN RESPONSE:
Robert_Dada
Nov 3, 09 7:27 PM CST
jamerican - you are a christian idiot to the very end. There is no god; never was and never will be.
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
Shannonals
Nov 3, 09 8:19 PM CST
It's funny you posted your comments in the way you did jamerican, because with all the negative statements you have made against people of color in your past postings you reflect all that is wrong with christianity. You think everyown who isn't the same color as you is inferior, and you you have the nerve to make a comment about religion as if you have guaranteed seat in heaven.
Vote up! Vote down!
+3

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