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Crucifix verdict: Bavarian values questioned – what now?
CSU regrets the decision of the BayVGH, which sees crucifixes in high schools as an infringement on religious freedom. Debate sparked.
Crucifix verdict: Bavarian values questioned – what now?
The debate about the crucifix in schools in Bavaria is currently being reignited. A ruling by the Bavarian Administrative Court (BayVGH) has ruled that a crucifix in the entrance area of a high school violates the religious freedom of female students. This decision affects the Hallertau-Gymnasium in Wolnzach, where two students complained about the presence of the crucifix. According to BR.de, the court found that the permanently visible presence of the cross in the central area of the school must be viewed as an interference with the negative freedom of belief.
The crucifix that gave rise to the legal dispute measures an impressive 1.5 meters in height and 50 centimeters in width. It was intended to represent a confrontation with a religious symbolism that the plaintiffs rejected during their school years. They had previously tried in vain to take action against this symbol at the Munich Administrative Court. The BayVGH decision also leaves open whether there are legal regulations for the display of crucifixes in high schools. In contrast, the Bavarian law on education and teaching states that a cross must be placed in every classroom in primary, middle and special schools as long as parents do not object.
Political reactions to the verdict
The reactions from politicians did not take long to arrive. CSU parliamentary group leader Klaus Holetschek reacted with regret to the verdict and emphasized that the cross stands for values such as charity and responsibility. He explained that court decisions must be respected, but at the same time pointed out that this does not represent a fundamental ruling against crucifixes in schools. Holetschek ruled out changing the regulations in Bavaria and reiterated: “Bavaria will continue to express its values with the cross.” In comparison, Prime Minister Florian Herrmann emphasizes that this is an isolated case judgment and that the verdict represents a “hard blow” for Christianity in Bavaria. The Free Voters also expressed dissatisfaction with the decision and saw it as a step backwards for the traditionally Christian society.
In view of the ruling, SPD education expert Simone Strohmayr demanded that discussions about religious symbols should be allowed in schools. Katrin Ebner-Steiner from the AfD also indirectly blamed the CSU for the verdict. These political reactions show that the social debate about the crucifix and religious freedom in Bavaria is by no means over.
School and its obligations
While the Hallertau-Gymnasium school management has not yet commented on the verdict, it is clear that the court decided that the school should have removed the crucifix. The plaintiffs have now completed their high school diploma, and the issue of religious freedom continues to be intensively discussed in the education system. The judgment also refers to a crucifix decision by the Federal Constitutional Court from 1995, which did not declare crucifixes in state school classrooms to be mandatory. The issue remains of central importance for many people living in Bavaria: How much religious freedom is relevant when it is in direct conflict with traditional values?
The social and political discussions surrounding the crucifix on school grounds will certainly continue to be very popular, while the various actors strongly represent their positions. The demand for clear regulations or a debate at the schools themselves remains a relevant issue in the Free State.