The European Court of Human Rights is deciding a case that seeks to eradicate Christian symbols from public buildings – starting with courtrooms, and with consequences that could extend much further.
The case of Union of Atheists v. Greece involves two applications brought by individuals identifying as atheists, who demanded that Greek courts remove symbols like Christian icons and crosses from courtrooms during hearings on religious matters.
They claimed these symbols, prevalent across Europe, are discriminatory, undermine the court’s objectivity, and violate their rights to a fair trial and freedom of thought and religion.
The Greek government disagreed – and refused to remove them. Now the case has reached Europe’s top human rights court, and its ruling could set a precedent for the entire continent.
This is not the first time such a battle has been fought.
In the famous 2011 case of Lautsi v Italy, the European court recognised that religious symbols displayed in public institutions form part of Europe’s historical and cultural heritage, reflecting traditions that have shaped national identity over centuries.
And this is obviously correct.
Christian icons, crosses, and artwork are not acts of coercion – but longstanding expressions of a nation’s history, culture, and identity.
And across Europe, there is a longstanding practice of displaying religious symbols in public institutions. Hence, there is no incompatibility between the display of Christian symbols and human rights law.
But now that position is being challenged by atheists who want to strip our nations of their Christian heritage – one symbol, one building at a time.
ADF International has intervened in this case to defend the continued display of Christian symbols in public buildings. Our legal brief makes clear: the display of a religious image cannot, by itself, limit anyone’s freedom of belief or call the fairness of a court into question, and there is no right not to be offended by the presence of religious imagery, as critics of religious symbols contend.
Culturally rooted religious symbols or artwork, such as centuries-old Orthodox Christian icons, do not impose a belief on anyone nor do they direct judicial decision-making.
And claims of state neutrality should never be used to strip our public spaces of the Christian faith that has shaped our societies for millennia.
With this case, the European Court of Human Rights has the opportunity to demonstrate that Europe’s often stated commitment to human rights must include a clear respect for, and recognition of, our continent’s Christian roots – which as we know – is the very basis for the concept of human rights in the first place.
Will you help us defend Europe’s Christian foundations? Your generous gift today will directly support this vital legal effort at a moment when the stakes could not be higher. | 
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