Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-08-01
CONTENTS
[01] New rule on religious lessons
[01] New rule on religious lessons
The Ombudsman on Thursday applauded a circular issued by the
education ministry that abolishes a requirement that pupils wishing
to abstain from religious education classes in school give a reason
for their choice. Under the new rule, a statement by a pupil's
parents that they do not wish their child to attend the class will
be sufficient.
Previous circulars had required that parents state a child's
religion or state that the child was not of the Orthodox Christian
faith.
The Ombudsman welcomed the decision to abolish this requirement,
noting that religious freedom included the right of even Orthodox
students to abstain from religious education in school without
having to reveal their religious beliefs. The same view on this
issue had also been expressed by the Authority for the Protection of
Personal Data.
Under the new rule, a statement by a pupil's parents that they do
not wish their child to attend the class will be sufficient.
Previous circulars had required that parents state a child's
religion or state that the child was not of the Orthodox Christian
faith.
Caption: ANA-MPA file photo
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