EP crucifix vote postponed

The European Parliament has postponed its vote on a resolution on the display of crucifixes in Italian schools.

The resolution, presented by Italian MEP Mario Borghezio on behalf of the European of Freedom and Democracy Group, followed the recent European Court of Human Rights ruling.

The EP vote planned for today was postponed for parliament's next sitting so that its admissibility could be verified.

The European Commission was asked during today's sitting if the ECHR's decision was in violation of the European Convention for Human Rights.

Various other political groups in the EP, including the European People's Party (EPP) and the Socialists, have presented their own resolutions, which also 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.

Italy is appealing the ECHR decision.