Madrid, Spain, May 28, 2008 / 13:52 pm
The majority Socialist party in Spain’s Congress joined the opposition Popular Party in rejecting a law proposed by the United Left Party that would have prohibited the displaying of religious symbols during inaugural ceremonies for public officials.
The Socialist Party (PSOE) explained its vote against the law by saying measures against the cultural presence of the Catholic Church in Spain should be carried out “unhurriedly” and at a “slow pace.”
The United Left proposed prohibiting the use of crucifixes, the Bible and other Catholic symbols during official ceremonies, inaugurations and other official acts. Other lawmakers demanded the government renounce its accords with the Holy See, arguing they reflect “the outdated privilege and preeminence of Catholicism, which are the fruit of previous eras.”
Gaspar Llamazares, general coordinator of the United Left, noted the “paradox” that in a government as “modern” as that of Socialist leader President Jose Luis Zapatero, the Spanish president would take his oath of office in front of a crucifix.