The debate about the presence of religious symbols in the public ceremonial

Abstract

The debate about the use of religious symbols in the Spanish public ceremonial is not new. Since the Constitution of 1978, the non-denominational state has coined, the controversy over the presence of religious symbols in official acts, especially in the taking of public office, both at the State level and in the autonomous communities or local administrations, without a single guideline or a single criterion to follow.

Defenders and detractors argue, each with their reasons, both in the media and in the legislative chambers, pretending to legislate against the use of religious symbols and others in favor of their permanence.

The issue, which is not merely formal, is complex, since it involves religious feelings, political interests and historical and cultural traditions. All this in a convoluted sociopolitical context that does not lend itself to deliberate and thoughtful reflection.

With the intention of raising the debate from the analysis of the situation in which it is, we will approach it from different perspectives: the conceptual point of view, which will bring us closer to the true role of symbols in public ceremonial; The legal point of view, which will place us in the normative framework of application, and the comparative point of view, which will allow us to relativize when comparing the Spanish case with that of other countries in our geopolitical environment.

We will stick to the case of the taking of public office, which is sufficiently broad and representative of the current situation.