Italian Judge Is No-Show At Hearing On Requirement For Cross In His Courtroom

In Italy, Judge Luigi Tosti failed to show up at a hearing Tuesday on whether he has violated the law by refusing to hear cases in his courtroom so long as a crucifix remains on display in it. Apparently this is the appeal of an October 2005 conviction. (See prior posting). UPI reports that Tosti, who is Jewish, says that courtrooms in Italy should be religiously neutral. While Italy's constitution requires separation of church and state, local authorities have been given the right to display crucifixes, crosses and other religious symbols in schools, courtrooms and other public buildings. Italy's Justice Department says that the Rocco Code, adopted during the Mussolini era, which requires the cross to be placed in Tosti's courtroom, still governs on this issue. (See prior posting.)