Classroom crucifix violates human rights, European court rules
November 03, 2009
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Italian schools have violated the rights of their students and their parents by displaying crucifixes on classroom walls. The court ordered Italy to pay €5,000 ($7,400) in "moral damages" to a mother who had complained about the presence of the crucifix in her children's classrooms.
Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, declined an opportunity to criticize the court's ruling. He said: "I believe reflection is needed before commenting."
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