The judgment provoked widespread outrage in Italy, but also in other European countries. In response to the judgment, the debate on the presence of the crucifix in schools, public offices and public space has been initiated in Poland. It is worth noting that Polish history and tradition associates Christianity and symbol of crucifix with values such as a freedom, honour or truth. Therefore, the Tribunal’s judgment in Lautsi v. Italy arose considerable interest in Polish public domain. It sparked off indignation among various groups of the society, though. The outrage and opposition to the Tribunal’s judgment was also manifested by chambers of Parliament – both: the Sejm and the Senate of the Republic of Poland.
On December 3, 2009 the Sejm of Republic of Poland passed a resolution on the protection of freedom of religion and values constituting the common heritage of Europe. It expressed deep disapproval to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights challenging the legal basis of the presence of crucifixes in classrooms in Italy. The Sejm interpret it as a decision which harm freedom of religion, disregard the rights and feelings of the followers of the Christian faith and ruin the social peace. Thus, the Sejm appealed to the parliaments of the members of the Council of Europe to jointly consider the manner in which the freedom of religion is protected to support values which are the common heritage of the European nations.
Subseuently, the resolution of Polish Senat on respecting the crucifix was passed on February 4, 2010. It strongly emphasised that any attempt to ban the Crucifix from schools, hospitals, offices and public space in Poland must be deemed as an insult to Polish tradition, remembrance and national dignity. Therefore, the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg should be treated with reserve and the Senat appeal that the crucifix be respected.
Both Sejm and Senate indicated strong relation between Polish tradition and history to Christian values and the symbol of crucifix. In their opinion, it is Christianity that brought to Europe the rule of respecting the rights of an individual and the principles of equality, freedom and tolerance, has accompanied Poland in all landmark moments of the country’s history. Moreover, crucifix is not only “a religious symbol and a sign of God’s love for people but also, in the public sphere, it reminds of human readiness to devote oneself to another human being, and expresses the values building respect for the dignity and life of all men and women”.
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