The Union of Atheists in Greece is demanding the complete removal of Christian symbols from places of justice, having filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights. The case officially began before the ECHR in 2020 and is now in its final stages. It is based on applications filed in 2018 and 2019. The applicants claim that the display of religious images during court hearings undermines the objectivity of the court. They also maintain that fundamental rights such as the right to a fair trial and freedom of thought and conscience are being violated, although Greek courts have repeatedly rejected such claims.
The Greek side is citing the legal precedent of the “Lautzi” case in Italy regarding the presence of the sign of the cross in schools. This case represents the strongest argument in favor of keeping Christian symbols in public places. Although the Court initially ruled against crosses in Italian schools in 2009, a massive mobilization by 21 European countries (including Bulgaria) led to the ruling being overturned in 2011.
It was then accepted that the presence of religious symbols did not constitute an act of proselytism and that states were given the right to freedom of assessment regarding the public expression of their predominant or even official religion.
ADF International (Alliance Defending Freedom) also sided with Greece. This international legal organization, which defends religious freedom before national and international institutions, stressed in its opinion that the public display of religious symbols is compatible with international human rights law. According to the legal organization, public spaces should not be deprived of symbols of important religious, cultural and historical significance in the name of a misguided pluralism. The expected ruling will determine whether Greece will follow Italy’s example by preserving its historical and religious identity within the confines of courtrooms.
