Ordinance in Italy

Religious festivals: schools may not close

In Italy, schools will no longer be allowed to close for religious festivals in future. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara is working on a corresponding regulation. A member of parliament had previously submitted 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 and adapt the laws of our country and bring them in line with the current and renewed reality," said MP Aboubakar Soumaghoro. Islam is the most widespread religion in the country after Catholicism. Across the EU, only Germany and France have more Muslims.

Dispute over school in Milan
Recently, Muslim students had called for the suspension of lectures during the breaking of the fast as a "gesture of respect and integration that recognizes and values cultural and religious diversity". This had caused discussion in Austria's neighboring country.

A school in Pioltello near Milan was also recently the subject of a dispute. On April 10, at the end of Ramadan, the school had decided to have an autonomous day off for the Islamic Eid. Education Minister Valditara has now ordered an inspection of the school to investigate possible irregularities in the school management's decision. So far, the school has not backed down and confirmed the closure on April 10.

"Decree on the home straight"
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 concerned. "The decree is on the home straight. It will no longer be possible to close a school on a public holiday that is not recognized by the state," he said.