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Statement in response to Lublin councillors position

In late March, the Lublin City Council resolved, “in consideration of the Christian traditions” of the city, to cease the municipal financing of “the works and events contrary to public morale or promoting scandalous content”. The HFHR brought the matter to the attention of the Mayor of Lublin.

Published: April 3, 2013

According to the Foundation, the council’s position, explicitly expressing a motivation based on a certain worldview, is an expression of disregard for the Constitution. “Pursuant to article 25 of the Constitution, public authorities must be impartial in matters of personal conviction, whether religious or philosophical, or in relation to outlooks on life”, explains Dr. Dorota Pudzianowska, HFHR’s legal expert. “We understand that cultural budgets should be drafted prudently but the allocation of funds should not depend on partisan interests or beliefs, but on informed opinions of independent experts”, adds Dr. Pudzianowska.

“We urge the Mayor to decide on cultural spending in accordance with the constitutional standards and not recommendations of the Lublin City Council which are contrary to the Constitution”, reads the statement.

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