Exemption for students from religious studies following court ruling in Greece

·

Greece’s top administrative court, Council of State, has ruled that only non-Orthodox Christian pupils can be exempt from religious education.

According to Ekathimerini, exemption procedure established by an Education Ministry decision in 2022 is deemed to be in accordance with the Greek Constitution, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and the EU General Data Protection Regulation. 

The ruling by the Council of State resolves the pending cases that emerged from applications for annulment filed by parents of students and the Union of Atheists. These cases were in response to the ministerial decision that mandated the submission of an application for exemption from religious studies for non-Orthodox secondary school students.

The ruling brings clarity to the exemption process for non-Orthodox Christian students in Greece. Photo: Ekathimerini.

The court clarified that the contested decision regarding the exemption procedure does not violate the provisions of the Greek Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) concerning religious freedom. The exemption application is considered a request to be excused from the obligation, as mandated by the Constitution and the law, to attend religion courses.

This ruling brings clarity to the exemption process for non-Orthodox Christian students in Greece and ensures that their rights to religious freedom are upheld within the education system.

Source: Ekathimerini

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Greece’s National Security Adviser resigns over Turkey remarks

Greece's National Security Adviser has resigned after comments he made regarding Turkey’s oil and gas exploration vessel the Oruc Reis.

First Youth Summit held by Greek Community of Melbourne proves a huge success

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) hosted a Youth forum on Tuesday night, organised by two young Greek Australians Dean Kotsianis and Vasilios Berbatakis....

Athens Olympic Museum: A virtual tour with Director Maria Papaioannou

A modern ark of Olympism in Greece, the new Athens Olympic Museum hosts the authentic spirit of the Olympic Games.