Crosses to be installed in all government offices in the German state of Bavaria
The Bavarian state government has decided to install a cross in all government offices in the state as a “symbol of cultural identity.” The leader of the Free Democratic Party has called this move a form of “Erdoganization” of politics in the state of Bavaria.
The Bavarian state government's decision to require the installation of crosses in government offices has been controversial and newsworthy. A number of politicians and even religious figures in Germany have criticized the decision.
The "TagsShow" website, affiliated with a German television network, is among the media outlets that have published a report on the Bavarian state government's decision and the reactions it has sparked.
The Bavarian state government has decided to install crosses in the entrance halls of all state offices from June 1. The Bavarian government has also recommended that local and regional authorities follow this policy.
Instrumental use of religion
Christian Lindner, Secretary General of the Free Democratic Party of Germany, compared the decision of the Bavarian state government with the actions of the Erdogan government, saying that just as Erdogan politically exploits Islam to advance his policies, the Bavarian state government also uses Christianity as a tool to achieve its goals.
In recent weeks, Horst Seehofer, the secretary general of the Christian Social Party (CSP), which leads the Bavarian state government, and Markus Söder, the state's prime minister, have repeatedly addressed religious issues. For example, they have repeatedly emphasized that Islam does not belong in Germany and that Germany is a Christian country.
The website "Spiegel Online" also assessed the Bavarian state government's decision regarding the installation of crosses in government offices as a continuation of the same policy.
The cross as a cultural symbol
The Bavarian state government's resolution refers to the cross as a symbol of cultural identity. Michael Heinisch, head of the German Protestant Church Law Institute, responded to this issue by saying that although the decision of Markus Söder's government does not violate the German constitution, it is a controversial measure.
Referring to a 1955 ruling by the German Constitutional Court, Michael Heinisch considers the cross a symbol of belief in Christianity and therefore believes that the cross is a religious symbol and not a cultural symbol.
Burkhard Hoese, pastor of the Würzburg High School, also believes that the cross should not be exploited as a tool to pursue sectarian politics and nationalistic selfishness.
Source: DW
