Federal Administrative Court to rule on Bavarian cruise decree next week

Federal Administrative Court to rule on Bavarian cruise decree next week

Since the new regulations were introduced, the rules of procedure for the Bavarian authorities have stipulated that a cross must be clearly visible at the entrance to every office building as an "expression of Bavaria's historical and cultural character". This was controversial from the outset, with even Munich Cardinal Reinhard Marx criticizing the state government's approach at the time.

One of the harshest critics was the BFG in Munich, which saw the mandatory crosses as a violation of the state's neutrality requirement. It also argued that the Christian religion was being favored over other world views. The BFG and 25 individuals appealed to the Bavarian Administrative Court. The court dismissed their complaints in June 2022.

The Administrative Court explained that the state's neutrality requirement was not being upheld, as the cross is a symbol of Christian faith and not just of Western culture, which is shaped by Christianity. However, it did not recognize a violation of fundamental rights.

The cross was above all a passive symbol with no proselytizing or indoctrinating effect. In addition, the crucifixes were placed in the entrance area - a passageway where visitors only stayed for a short time.

The BFG appealed against the ruling from Munich to the Federal Administrative Court, which is now reviewing it. Its decision is due to be announced on Tuesday.

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1. The CSU-led government in Bavaria introduced a decree requiring a visible cross at the entrance of every office building, emphasizing the state's historical and cultural character.
2. Markus Söder, the Bavarian Minister-President and head of the CSU, is closely associated with this controversial measure.
3. The cross decree is now facing a challenge at the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig, with the announcement of its decision scheduled for the coming week.
4. The case was initiated by the BFG, a criticism group based in Munich, and 25 individuals who argue that the decree favors Christianity over other worldviews and violates the state's neutrality requirement.
5. The Bavarian Administrative Court initially dismissed this appeal, stating that the cross is a passive symbol and does not violate fundamental rights, although it does not uphold the state's neutrality requirement.
6. The Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig is weighing in on this issue, considering whether to overturn the lower court's decision and restructure the Bavarian cruise decree.
7. Regardless of the upcoming court decision, the debate surrounding religious symbols and state neutrality in Bavaria is far from settled, with widespread disagreement and ongoing controversy within the region.

Source: www.stern.de