Individual Freedom of Religion
Besides collective, German law protects individual freedom of religion, which is to be distinguished into positive and negative freedom of religion. Negative freedom of religion covers the right not to confess your faith unless legally required (i. e. registration for church tax) and the right not to be exposed to religion while in a position of "subordination" where one is legally required to attend. Landmark decisions are the Crucifix Decision and the Headscarf Decision.
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Famous quotes containing the words individual, freedom and/or religion:
“Men hate the individual whom they call avaricious only because nothing can be gained from him.”
—Voltaire [François Marie Arouet] (1694–1778)
“No slavery can be abolished without a double emancipation, and the master will benefit by freedom more than the freed-man.”
—Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95)
“Not thou nor thy religion dost controule,
The amorousnesse of an harmonious Soule,
But thou would’st have that love thy selfe: As thou
Art jealous, Lord, so I am jealous now,
Thou lov’st not, till from loving more, thou free
My soule: Who ever gives, takes libertie:
O, if thou car’st not whom I love
Alas, thou lov’st not mee.”
—John Donne (1572–1631)