Ivan Camilleri, Brussels
Brussels stays out of crucifix controversy
Photo: Chris Sant Fournier.
The European Commission yesterday steered away from the controversy over the Italian crucifix issue, saying it had no competence to give its opinion or challenge a decision of a court outside its jurisdiction.
The Commission's position was made clear by Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot in reaction to a resolution in the European Parliament calling on the EU to challenge the recent judgment handed down by the Council of Europe's Court of Human Rights.
The court has ruled that the presence of a crucifix in an Italian classroom restricted the right of parents to educate their children in conformity with their convictions.
"I don't see how this debate can really take place in the European Parliament," said Mr Barrot, adding that the EU had absolutely nothing to do with this judgment.
"The European Commission cannot act outside its legal framework. The issue concerns Italy and has no link with the EU. We cannot give any kind of opinion on a decision taken by a court which does not form part of our institutions."
He affirmed the Commission's intention to protect the principle of subsidiarity among member states.
However, he urged that any court ruling should be respected by all the parties members of the Convention on Fundamental Human Rights and highlighted the fact that Italy had already said it would appeal from the judgment. He added that the issue was very controversial and divisive and appealed for prudence by member states and MEPs.
The resolution was presented by Italian MEP Mario Borghezio on behalf of the European of Freedom and Democracy Group.
It is still unclear which way today's vote on the resolution will go as MEPs seem to be very divided on the issue, with conflicting opinions even inside the same political groups.
Various other political groups in the EP, including the European People's Party (EPP) and the Socialists, have presented their own resolutions which, although couched in milder language, defend the principle that decisions connected to religious freedom should be the sole competence of member states.
On the other hand, the Green, Liberal and Leftist groups counteracted with resolutions defending the Strasbourg court's judgement and calling on Italy to adhere to the ruling and remove crucifixes from public schools.
The EPP resolution, representing the largest group in the EU assembly, was co-authored and signed by Maltese MEP Simon Busuttil who also conducted his group's discussion over the issue.
The resolution affirms that freedom of religion, like any other civil or social freedom, is a fundamental value that forms part of the basis of every modern and democratic society and cannot be censured. The EU and international institutions cannot protect rights by denying the values that have created them.
At the same time the resolution calls for recognition of the principle of subsidiarity "by all European institutions and international organisations, including the freedom of member states to exhibit religious symbols in public places when these symbols represent the tradition and the identity of their people, as well as a unifying aspect of a national community".
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Rudy Sollars
Dec 22nd 2009, 14:27
...if we put our hands on our heart, like most of us the children in this picture don't really care. The ECHR court decision was based, in my opinion, on secular values earned with blood, sweat and tears. These values hold the equality of persons, freedom, and the respect for reason as supreme, in a day and age were cultural diversity is the norm - not cultural isolation. It is only those wolves dressed in monks robes who are stirring this commotion and pulling the strings from the background. Perceiving that their glory days of power and privileges may be over, they will try at anything to influence or attempt to subvert democratic processess in their favour. Blessed Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei, has been once reported to have said: "God works in mysterious ways"
Christian Sciberras
Dec 18th 2009, 09:20
@J.Tonna, joe scerri
Actually, they hardly seem interested, almost as if the cross was part of the furniture.
...
Raymond Sammut
Dec 17th 2009, 20:05
@ James Dimech I do not need to look up the word "subsidiarity", Mr Dimech. Thank you very much. Subsidiarity is common place in EU administrative structures, and it exists because without it the EU would be too cumbersome to keep viable. Simon Busuttil knows that subsidiarity works top-bottom in the overall EU organisation. He is therefore trying to exploit it by taking advantage of the fact that the EPP is presently the majority in the EU assembly. But Barrot is one step ahead of Simon Busuttil. Barrot made it clear to Busuttil that the EU assembly has no jurisdiction on the matter, no matter who is the current majority. Every European citizen has the right to avail themselves of their human rights in the ECHR regardless of what Simon Busuttil tries to do in the EU parliament to stop them. This is another hypocritical stunt coming from Simon Busuttil.
James Dimech
Dec 17th 2009, 12:47
@raymond sammut
you might actually need to look up the word "subsidiarity" before expressing your opinion. The point of the resolution is to tell the EU to stay out of ethical issues such as the crucifix issue and leave these matters to Member States (this is subsidiarity). Barrot confirmed what the resolution wanted...for him and the EU to stay out of these issues.
joe scerri
Dec 17th 2009, 12:37
@J.Tonna
It seems you have totally misunderstood my comment. I was being sarcastic at those who say their children are disturbed by looking at a crucifix.
renald williams
Dec 17th 2009, 12:13
May we try in our life, the option to read everyday a chapter of Christ’s words, so as to respect more other’s different opinions and rights. My words will not pass away – Matthew 24:35 New Testament. Peace and health.
Raymond Sammut
Dec 17th 2009, 12:01
The "resolution" co-authored and signed by Simon Busuttil is not worth the paper it is written on. Barrot made it clear to him that the EU has absolutely no jurisdiction over the matter. Busuttil "jaghzaq fl-ilma"! Minn ghalih sa jpaxxi lil bazuzli by trying to override something so much bigger than himself.
J.Tonna
Dec 17th 2009, 11:58
@ Joe Scerri - Are you speaking your mind (i.e. what you wish)?? I am not seeing and disturbed or frustrated child here.
joe scerri
Dec 17th 2009, 10:09
The children in this picture appear to be very disturbed by the crucifix hanging in the background.