18 March 2011 Last updated at 17:09 GMT
Displaying crucifixes in schools in Italy does not breach the rights of non-Catholic families, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled.The court ruled there was no evidence that a crucifix hung in a classroom would influence pupils.
The ruling overturned a previous decision made in November 2009, which angered the Roman Catholic country.
Friday's decision was welcomed by Italy's foreign minister as a win for European "popular sentiment".
"The decision underlines, above all, the rights of citizens to defend their own values and their own identities," Franco Frattini said, according to Italy's La Repubblica newspaper.
"I hope that following this verdict Europe will begin to examine issues of tolerance and religious freedom with the same courage," he added.
'Historic decision'
The hanging of crosses in public buildings is not compulsory in Italy but it is customary
Displaying crucifixes in schools in Italy does not breach the rights of non-Catholic families, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled.The ruling overturned a previous decision made in November 2009, which angered the Roman Catholic country.
Friday's decision was welcomed by Italy's foreign minister as a win for European "popular sentiment".
"The decision underlines, above all, the rights of citizens to defend their own values and their own identities," Franco Frattini said, according to Italy's La Repubblica newspaper.
"I hope that following this verdict Europe will begin to examine issues of tolerance and religious freedom with the same courage," he added.
'Historic decision'
