What is it today about people and 'Human Rights'? In too many cases, the arguement for human rights is used as an excuse by some, to get their our own way in the face of opposition, or just because they feel like it. We have pressure groups that will stand beside anyone who thinks they have been wronged, for any reason, and demonstrate on the streets or run into the nearest court.
I read in the news yesterday of perhaps one of the more ridiculous cases brought before the European Court of Human Rights (CHR) in Strasbourg, with an even more ludicrous result.
This court ruled that crucifixes may not be displayed in the classrooms of Italian schools, as a direct result of an action brought by Soili Lautsi, an Italian mother who wants to give her children a secular education. It reasoned that the practice of "the compulsory display of a symbol of a given confession in premises used by public authorities ....restricted the right of parents to educate their children in conformity with their convictions". Apparantly, the crucifixes also "Restricted the right of children to believe or not to believe". What a load of cobblers!
This judgement was deliberated on, and delivered, by seven respectable judges in one of the highest courts in Europe. Personally, I think they were idiots!
Italy, as most people know is deeply catholic, and it has been law in the country since 1920 (almost 90 years) for crucifixes to be hung in every school in the land. Britain and many other countries have always had crucifixes in the schools, law or no law!
So here we have a situation where one person has turned tradition and the law of Italy on its head, just because she wants to be different with her children. Funnier still, She actually got awarded compensation of €5000 from the court. (Now we are probably getting to the main reason for the court action; Money!) Her case rested on the fact that her children had to attend a school with crucifixes hanging in every room.
So What!!! I see buses every day but it doesn't mean I have to be a bus driver for crying out loud!!!
Needless to say, the whole of Italy is up in arms at the ruling, both the politicians, and the people. The Vatican was shocked at the idea of ruling out the crucifix in education, calling the it "Wrong and myopic", and I must agree. A spokesman at the Vatican, Reverend Frederico Lombardi, said the court had no right to interfere in profoundly Italian affairs, and once again, I agree. He went further, saying, "It seems as if the court wanted to ignore the role of Christianity in forming Europe's identity.... It is unpleasant that it (the crucifix) is considered a sign of division, exclusion or a restriction of freedom". Quite right Sir!
Basic human rights are essential, and should be protected at all costs, but when the Barmy Brigade become involved, it sours the milk to such an extent it should be thrown away.
I am sure if one were to peruse the files of the C.H.R there are many more such rulings that do nothing to enhance the cause of human rights. To me this ruling is shameful, and I for one think the Italian Government should tell the court to take their ruling, and shove it where the sun don't shine (and I cleaned that up!).
In my view, religion in schools is essential as part of growing up. It helps us determine good from bad, and what is acceptable and what is not. I had religious education at school and it never did me any harm, quite the opposite.
Many years ago in Britain, religion along with physical education was dropped from the national curriculum as being unneccessary, and look at how the youth since then has turned out. Today we have for example, obese drunken louts, and girls, urinating in the streets after an evening of heavy drinking. The saddest part is they see nothing wrong in their behaviour. To them its normal and perfectly acceptable. No-one of the older generation would even consider doing such a thing.
No! I believe Mrs. Lautsi has not done Italy, its people, or its future generations any good with her action. Eventually it could well cascade into the rest of Europe with, as an example, Muslims or some other religious group complaining about any form of religious symbology. Already, some schools no longer have the traditional Nativity Plays for fear of upsetting the Muslim children.
What sad times we live in. Will the insanity never end?
Roy.
No comments:
Post a Comment