‘Illegal’ crucifix hidden in cupboard

A mayor in the Nord has come to a compromise over a legal ruling he cannot display a crucifix in a village hall.

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A VILLAGE in the Nord has placed a 1.2m crucifix inside a cupboard to get round a court ruling ordering it to be taken down.

The town council of Wandignies in the Nord was told to take the religious symbol off the wall of a village hall used for school meals after a retired primary school teacher complained.

The 89-year-old sued the council for not respecting the principle of secular schooling (laïcité) and the1905 law on separation of church and state.

In January the Lille tribunal administratif said she was in the right, but the mayor, Erich Frison, has appealed, and in the meantime he has come to a compromise – the crucifix is displayed or hidden according to who is using the room (called the Salle du Presbytère – Presbytery Room) and how old they are.

“The crucifix is still on the wall, but we close the cupboard when it should not be seen,” the mayor said.

Photo:Randy OHC

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