Madrid, Spain, Jun 5, 2009 / 08:33 am
Publico, a newspaper closely allied with Spain's ruling Socialist party, reported this week that the government is studying the idea of suppressing religious symbols in military barracks, hospitals, jails and public schools, as well as during State funerals or inauguration ceremonies for public officials.
The newspaper reported that Minister of Justice Francisco Caamano referenced the proposal in comments about “creating religiously neutral public spaces.”
If the so-called “Law on Freedom of Religion and Conscience” is adopted, the paper says that Spain would for the first time regulate conscientious objection and the rights of those who profess no religion.
The proposal is expected to be rolled out before the end of the year.