Process - Bavarian cruise decree put to the test
On Thursday, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig heard a case on the controversial cross decree issued by Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder (CSU). According to the regulation, a cross must be clearly visible in the entrance area of every state building in Bavaria since 2018. The anti-religious Association for Freedom of Thought (bfg) is challenging the decree. Last summer, it suffered a defeat at the Bavarian Administrative Court (VGH). The Federal Administrative Court has now dealt with the appeals against this ruling.
The VGH had classified the crosses as passive symbols "without a proselytizing and indoctrinating effect". The plaintiff's fundamental rights to freedom of religion and belief and equal treatment were not violated as a result. The representatives of the Free State defended this view in Leipzig.
In contrast, the Association for Freedom of Thought is demanding the removal of the crosses. They are clearly a religious symbol that has no place in the buildings of a state committed to neutrality. "What does a cross have to do with an official activity, with the issuing of a driving license (...)? Nothing!", said lawyer Hubert Heinhold. The Federal Administrative Court will announce its decision next Tuesday.
Information on the date
Read also:
- A clan member is punished here
- Traffic lawyer warns: Don't talk to the police!
- Will he be convicted as Jutta's murderer after 37 years?
- He also wanted to kill his cousin
- Despite the previous ruling in favor of Bavaria by the Bavarian Administrative Court (VGH), the anti-religious Association for Freedom of Thought continues to challenge the 'cross decree' issued by CSU's Markus Söder.
- The 'cross decree', requiring a visible cross in every Bavarian state building since 2018, is currently under review by the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig.
- The Bavarian Government, represented by its administration, defends the VGH's classification of the crosses as passive symbols with no proselytizing effect, during the proceedings in Leipzig.
- However, the Association for Freedom of Thought argues that the crosses, being religious symbols, have no place in state buildings committed to neutrality.
- Lawyer Hubert Heinhold, representing the Association, stated during the proceedings that a cross has no relevance to official activities, such as issuing a driving license.
- The decision on the appeals against the VGH's ruling on the controversial 'cross decree' is expected to be announced by the Federal Administrative Court in Germany on the following Tuesday.
- The case has attracted attention in other German states, such as Bavaria's neighbor, Saxony, as debates about public displays of religion in government buildings continue to surface across Germany.
Source: www.stern.de
