The Spanish Government is to abolish all religious symbols from schools and public buildings, with the exception of symbols included in works which have historic, artistic or cultural value, said Justice Minister Francisco Caamano in an interview with Europa Press, cited by the media today.

The law, which will include the principle of freedom of conscience for the first time, above all where conscientious objections are concerned, will be put forward by the executive after the summer break. Our idea is that no religious symbols should exist in public schools, that there is a clear separation between religion and public life and the secularism of the State, said the minister.

Although symbols and effigies, which make up part of our heritage, have historical-artistic value and are kept inside our public centres, will not be destroyed. The law will not affect rooted traditions such as nativity scenes, and it will not be forbidden for students to wear a crucifix to school.

The case of officially recognised Catholic schools is an exception, as the Spanish constitution and the Agreement between State and Church guarantees the respect for the culture and symbols of the Catholic religion.

Caamano says that the future law aims to take a step forward, to avoid confusion between public functions of the State and religious functions. The reform aims to establish a system with wisdom and sensitivity which recognises religious pluralism and treats all religions on an equal basis, while favouring the separation of the functions of the Church and the State at the same time.

Caamano also says that the law will legislate over freedom of conscience for the first time in Spain, modernise the register of religious bodies and organisations, incorporating the jurisprudence laid down by the courts in recent years into the legal system regarding issues such as religion in the armed forces, hospitals and schools.

The Justice Minister announced the reform before the European elections last June 9, which included the banning of religious symbols from public spaces and in all official acts, including swearing on the Bible and in front of the crucifix during the swearing-in of Ministers.

It promises to generate fresh hostility in the fragile relations between the Zapatero government and the Catholic Church, which are already tense over the abortion reforms under review in the House and now close to being passed.

The law, which is a reform of the current law dating back to 1980, will also regulate objections of conscience and the rights of those who do not profess any religion. It will allow the former only in cases recognised by the Constitution – conscientious objection to call-up to the armed forces – or those expressly set out in law.

It will be granted to anti-abortion doctors only if the hospital is in a position anyway to guarantee the right to the voluntary termination of a pregnancy.

via Spain to ban religious symbols in schools | The Law in Spain.