No Crucifixes;Rules EU court

The decision last week by the European Union to ban crucifixes in schools is weird, queer and borders sheer madness to say the least. During the court session the judges arrived at the decision to ban the crucifixes claiming they violate the rights of parents to bring their children according to their conviction and that it violates religious freedom for the students. One wonders why this is so at this point in time and for whose interests it is meant for.

This case is not in isolation. There have been attempts over years to drive out religion form public sphere whose roots can be traced from the French revolution. Religion has been seen as an obstacle by many in exercising ‘their freedom’ and therefore an opportunity to trample it undercurrent is seized with pleasure. However, careful consideration of such positions faults the logic. Indeed, religion cannot be against man for it is meant to be man’s way of relating with his creator and fellow brothers.

So when EU court says crucifixes violate rights of parents and the students I fail to understand this logic. First, because Europe, as it were, cannot deny its fundamental link to Christianity: trying to deny this link is folly and risks allowing other cultures taking over in Europe. Thus, if Europe were to abide by this decision, then she would be shooting her own foot. Second, one wonders which countries are behind this move or put another way for whose interest is this new law? At least the Italian government has raised her dissatisfaction and plans for an appeal. I hope the consciences of other European countries will grow up and challenge such discriminative law.

It consoles to note that some Muslim students have expressed their opinion saying they do not think the crucifix in the classroom violates their freedom of religion. I wonder if the Muslim countries would allow the removal of their symbols from their schools let alone public celebration of another faith. So are we trying to Islamize the whole world by denying what defines us just to accommodate others in the name of rights and freedom? I believe that all have equal rights and freedoms. Keeping what defines what we are does not deny anyone his freedom or violate his rights. Indeed, the cross has become folly to the European Union judges but to those who value their origin, culture and religion the cross remains central.