In Italy, schools will no longer be allowed to close due to religious festivals in the future. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara is working on a corresponding regulation. A lawmaker had previously introduced a bill to make the day after the end of Ramadan a national holiday.
“I believe that this is a concrete way to recognize, update, adapt and bring the laws of our country into line with the current and renewed reality,” said MP Aboubakar Soumaghoro. After Catholicism, Islam is the most widespread religion in the country. In the entire EU, only Germany and France have more Muslims.
Dispute over school in Milan
Recently, Muslim students called for the suspension of lectures during the breaking of the fast as a “gesture of respect and inclusion that recognizes and values cultural and religious diversity.” This caused discussions in Austria’s neighboring country.
There was also recently a dispute over a school in Pioltello, near Milan. She had opted for a school-free day off for the Islamic sugar festival on April 10, at the end of Ramadan. Education Minister Valditara has now ordered an inspection of the school to investigate possible irregularities in the decision of the school management. So far they have not backed out and confirmed the closure on April 10th.
“Decree on the Finish Line”
The minister is now working on a regulation that will prohibit schools from closing for religious festivals if there is no agreement between the state and the religious community involved. “The decree is on the home stretch. It will no longer be possible to close a school on a public holiday not recognized by the state,” he said.
Source: Krone
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