Crucifix ban dangerous precedent

THE decision of the European Court of Human Rights to ban the crucifix from Italian classrooms is either anti-christian or just simply a very ignorant and dangerous precedent.

The crucifix is a symbol and now the use of a symbol has been banned because it restricts the rights of parents to educate their children in conformity with their convictions. How many other symbols are used in public places – symbols that many detest for various religious, historical and social reasons.

There could be cultural chaos on the horizon. A strong republican up North or a conservative Muslim in England could have a field day removing British symbolism from public places. This might even include the queen’s head from coins where she is displayed in a religious context: Elizabeth II, Dei Gratia, Regina Fidei Defensor, meaning “Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith” – ie, the head of the Church of England.