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.
Read more about this topic: Freedom Of Religion In Germany
Famous quotes containing the words individual, freedom and/or religion:
“Each individual is more or less dimly aware of his significance, is aware that he’s something innately superior, something eternal—and lives, is obligated to live, in the moment and for the moment.”
—Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev (1818–1883)
“Until you’ve lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom really is.”
—Margaret Mitchell (1900–1949)
“I told him that Goldsmith had said,... “As I take my shoes from the shoemaker, and my coat from the taylor, so I take my religion from the priest.” I regretted this loose way of talking. JOHNSON. Sir, he knows nothing; he has made up his mind about nothing.””
—Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)