Italian mayors respond to Strasbourg ruling by hanging more crucifixes in schools

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Comments: 26

Rome, Italy, Nov 12, 2009 / 01:49 pm (CNA).- A number of Italian officials have responded to the ruling by the European Human Rights Court that ordered schools in Italy to remove crucifixes from the classrooms by taking unprecedented measures to preserve the Christian symbol.

According to the Italian daily “Avvenire,” the mayor of Sezzadio, Pier Luigi Arnera, has leveled a fine of 500 euros against anyone who removes a crucifix from a public place.

Arnera explained that the displaying of the crucifix in “places other than churches does not affect the dignity of anyone, because it is one of our cultural references.”

Likewise in the cities of Sassuolo and Trapani, officials have acquired dozens more crucifixes to display them in public schools.

In Montegrotto Terme, digital billboards that normally are used to inform the public are now displaying the crucifix with the phrase, “We will not take it down.” The mayor of Assisi has ordered that Nativity scenes be displayed in addition to the crucifix in public offices.

In Varesotto a local contractor placed a 16-foot cross on his farm in order to express his indignation over the EU court ruling.

Comments: 26

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Martin W. Howser
Spokane, WA USA 11/17/2009 06:48 PM EST

Let us pray that my fellow citizens in the USA take note of what is happening in Italy and the courage they have shown resisting an unlawful order by the EU court. It is time for us to stop the socialist efforts going on in this country before we too have a court who is trying to extinguish our Judo/Christian heritage upon which our country was founded.

Published by: Coccia
N,J, USA 11/14/2009 02:08 PM EST

Hooray for the Italian officials we shall pray for a good outcome.

Published by: H.J..D'Cruz
Karachi 11/14/2009 03:21 AM EST

Praise the Lord . we need more governments,religious and political leaders to defend the christian faith particulary in countries with a majority christian population

Published by: Brian Westley
USA 11/14/2009 12:37 AM EST

As usual, a lot of people who have no respect for genuine religious rights like it when the government promotes religious views that they agree with. Don't whine if the government decides to promote religious views you don't agree with.

Published by: Karin Wahlstrom
Allentown, PA /USA 11/13/2009 11:11 PM EST

Thank you, Jesus, for these brave Italian leaders! Would that our so-called leaders here in the US had done likewise back when they took down the crucifixes from our schools, and now wanting to remove all the mangers from the public squares, calling Christmas trees by a new name and removing religious Christmas music, etc. etc. etc. Every home should have a manger in their yard, Crucifixes should go back on the school walls, into Court rooms and halls of justice. Stand up, Christians, stand up for your rights! Stand up for your Crucified Lord and Saviour! We have cowered long enough. Enough! Enough!

Published by: Ed Mullen
Halifax, NS Canada 11/13/2009 05:07 PM EST

Bravo for Italian resistance to the EU court! We must watch out for Human Rights promoters and Human Rights Commissions. HRC (commissions) are using the powers granted to them by unthinking, politically correct legislators, to remove human rights from small businesses and individuals. HR promoters and HR commissions are false saviors that have to be turned back or politically correct, but stupid, behavior will become more and more entrenched and damaging to N. American society and its economy.

Published by: Daniel J. Bochetti
Revere/MA/USA 11/13/2009 05:03 PM EST

As a Catholic Christian of Italian descent and a public school teacher I support the decision of the majority of Italians to keep the crucifixes in the public schools. Bravissimo! Citizens have the right to continue their cultural heritage in public places especially in schools. It is their right of religious expression in the Italian Constitution, as it is in the American Constitution.

Published by: Big Joe
westerly RI USA 11/13/2009 04:53 PM EST

Well if they want the crosses taken down because it offends some people then should everyone wear the same color clothing and drive the same type and color of car because hey the blue toyota pick up truck offends me so i think that they should be banned. As well as the red tee shirt someone was wearing we should ban those too. We cant diplay a cross because its offensive but gays can be open even though that may offend me. I don't get it. Don't people have more impotant things to do than complain about crosses in public. If ya don't like it then don't look at it.

Published by: Joan L. Roccasalvo
Bronx 11/13/2009 04:29 PM EST

The courageous action of these mayors is a modern-day witness to faith under fire. We should have more examples such as these.

Published by: Daniel Tesfaye
Toronto, Ontario, Canada 11/13/2009 03:14 PM EST

Do not back down I am with you I will pray for your struggle. We will fight the good fight. I am a proud Catholic.

Published by: J. Jancosek
Colorado 11/13/2009 01:54 PM EST

We are very proud of the actions of those Italian citizens who are standing strong against such an unbelievable ruling by the EU. God Bless you and strengthen your resolve as well as others of us who must pray for the enlightenment (and reversal) of the members of the EU who participated in this decision.

Published by: Joe
Bothell, WA, USA 11/13/2009 01:39 PM EST

To those who hate God the cross is very offensive. They must work to remove it in hopes of removing reminders of their own guilt along with it.

Published by: BS
England 11/13/2009 01:11 PM EST

just read this and the popes plea to preserve european culture and I must say I did smile - big time!

Published by: Maria I
West Norriton, PA 11/13/2009 12:29 PM EST

I am proud to be an Italian-American! God bless them and Mary keep them!

Published by: Valerio Salvador
Johannesburg, South Africa 11/13/2009 08:24 AM EST

IN HOC SIGNUM VINCIT I am proud of my country of birth. Deo Gratias.

Published by: Bill
Phoenix,AZ, USA 11/13/2009 12:14 AM EST

Ah yes. The Courts of Intolerance. Soon to be more inquisitive than the . . . Inquisition? I am offended by their ruling. The court ought to be dismantled for such offensiveness.

Published by: michael
Sarawak Malaysia 11/12/2009 11:51 PM EST

People the world over take great pleasure in taking holidays or studies in Europe and marvel over the beauty of its architecture,culture, art, music and literature - all of which have influenced the world in general for good. And the reason for all these fruits? - the European belief in the Cross and the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ - the pledge of our eternal salvation. Can we really swallow the statement that the crucifix is now a cause for division and infringement of human rights? God bless Italy. Wake up Europe. Who is like unto God!

Published by: Anthony Mazzucco
Prince Frederick, MD 11/12/2009 08:43 PM EST

As an American of Italian descent--all four of my grandparents came from Italy-I just want to say that I have never been prouder. Way to go, Italy!!! Viva Italia!

Published by: Dan
Milwaukee, USA 11/12/2009 05:51 PM EST

Now that's the kind of guts I like to see. Bravo to these Italians!

Published by: Steve
Cheyenne, WY, USA 11/12/2009 04:30 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

The USA NEEDS to do exactly the same and display the crucifix and nativity scene everywhere and tell the ACLU to enforce it themselves - better yet, tell the ACLU to go away - FAR AWAY! The USA has become quite cowardly in displaying Christian symbols - we fight, but we need to take action just like Italy!!! Praise God!

Published by: Tracie
Ireland 11/12/2009 04:16 PM EST

I'm absolutely delighted and thrilled to see this. This has made my day! Congratulations to all, may you all be blessed.

Published by: DLL
scituate Mass 11/12/2009 03:39 PM EST

Fight political correctness at all costs as it is this so called correctness that is the new and false religion. The Crucifix and the Nativity scenes only inspire peace and the betterment of all societies. God bless all those that are fighting these governments of terror that are trying to remove any symbol of peace. They want to rule people with low moral standards so that the governed,can be mentally and politically manipulated. Weak people are apathetic and easily heavily,taxed. Politicians know this. They don't want them to have public symbols that inspire religious freedom. Freedom is an active and a good conscience in people that are inspired by the peace that is Christ,who is the greatest activist. These politicians worship themselves and they want people they govern to worship them. I worship God and only God will I ever worship. Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ our Incarnate King! Lift High The Cross!

Published by: Tim Troutman
Charlotte, NC USA 11/12/2009 03:36 PM EST

Praise God! This is exactly the sort of bravery the world needs right now.

Published by: Stephen
USA 11/12/2009 03:07 PM EST

It is good to see that some public officials are using their influence to support the display of the crucifix across various parts of Italy. What would be even better and send an even stronger signal to the EU is if mayors, public and school officials from across all of italy show their support of publicly displaying the crucifix in schools and other prominent areas of their communities. After all didn't Jesus who is Almighty God show support for the entire human race by suffering the crucifixion for the remission of sins of all mankind. Jesus is Lord and king of kings and the Son of Man who will come again to judge the living and dead at his Second Coming. God bless you all.

Published by: John
England 11/12/2009 02:47 PM EST

Good for Arnera. When the authoritarian European Union tries to dictate our lives in the future, or ban things, or endorse things, we should do the opposite! I was born free and will die free - the EUSSR and the British government will not control me. I am a free, unique individual, not some component of a larger collective designed by the state.

Published by: Francis
Wareham MA 11/12/2009 02:21 PM EST

I hope Italy doesn't back down and tells this rogue court where to go! This brings to mind something President Andrew Jackson once said about a U.S. Supreme Court decision: "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it!" If I was an Italian official I would say "The European Human Rights Court has made its decision; now let them enforce it"!!!

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