alpsnews.eu© 2017 Sten Harck

Oct 2013

Freedom of Religion

The Federal Administrative Court of Germany has finally published two judgments concerning the freedom of religion. Both judgments were announced in September but the written decision has only been made public available now.

In the first judgment a Muslim girl had ask to be excluded from the compulsory swimming lessons at school. According to her statements, the Muslim religion would not allow her to participate in the swimming lessons, since her body – even when wearing a so-called burkini – would be exposed to the views of her male classmates. The judges at the Federal Administrative Court came to the conclusion that the girl should participate in the swimming lessons since she could wear a so-called burkini. Interestingly enough, in a similar case in Norway the judges decided that such a burkini would not solve the problem. Find the case here: http://www.bverwg.de/entscheidungen/entscheidung.php?ent=110913U6C25.12.0

In the second case, parents from Jehovah's Witnesses had asked the German teacher of their son to exempt him from viewing the film „Krabat“, since the content of the film – as well as the book written by Otfried Preußler – would violate their religious belief, because it would relate to spiritualism. The judges of the Federal Administrative Court stated in their decision that members of religious minorities had to tolerate compulsory teaching, even if it would mean that they would have to be confronted with topics banned by their religion. The decision is to be found here: http://www.bverwg.de/entscheidungen/entscheidung.php?ent=110913U6C12.12.0

Launch!!!!!!

Finally airborne!

Welcome to my blog from the backyard of the Alps. I will try to comment on Germany and Danish politics, legal developments or economic issues as often as possible - so you are invited to return as frequently as you like.

Please bear in mind, that this blog in no way tries to be complete or always is up-to-date. It is my own, private blog and I will try to collect small and big information about Germany and/or Denmark. But it is still no commercial site!

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Sten