Lautsi: A commentary on a decision by the ECtHR grand chamber

Abstract

This critical comment of the Crucifix in the Classroom case, decided by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights, deals with three issues: the place of religious symbols in the public sphere, the meaning of secularism today, and the notion of respect owed to parental convictions in the educational context. Each one of these issues pose a considerable problem in relation to the place of religion in the European constitutional landscape. The comment suggests that the ECtHR should have put more pressure on Italy to come up with a more sound legal basis with regard to state-supported religious symbols. © The Author 2013. Oxford University Press and New York University School of Law. All rights reserved.