Crucifix a "passive symbol"

The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg on Friday dismissed a case brought by Italian parents, ruling that crucifixes are allowed in state schools. Slovakian politicians see the decision as confirming their own view that Christian beliefs are part of Europe's canon of values. This is reading too much into the decision, the liberal daily Sme argues: "According to the court the crucifix is a 'passive' symbol in Italian schools - in other words a symbol whose presence has no indoctrinating influence. The crucifix should not be an expression of any attempt to convert pupils to Christianity as the sole valid doctrine. In other words: if the crucifix became an 'active' symbol, a symbol of indoctrination, it would no longer be in conformity with European principles on human rights."

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