Oltre il muro dell'intolleranza. Luci e ombre della benedizione nella scuola tra libertà religiosa e laicità dello stato

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right protected by Italian Constitution. Which are the limits to be respected in case of religious practices inside Italian State schools? This paper examines the meaning of “religious freedom” and the essence of State “secular” nature; then focuses on a recent case, which caused a debate on the boundaries between Church and State, about Easter blessing rite in State schools. The Court of first instance argued that blessing is a religious rite and it cannot be held in State schools; the Supreme Administrative Court rejected this ruling, claiming that Easter blessing in State schools is to be permitted, it being an exercise of religious freedom not violating State secular nature. Religious symbols and rites in public places are not to be considered a violation of the State secular nature. The Italian State does not hold any religious belief of any religion, but can create conditions conducive to religions