Czech Court Upholds Ban on Smiling in Passport Photos

The Constitutional Court ruled that the restriction does not violate religious freedom despite a challenge from a self-proclaimed 'Church of Smiles' member.

• The Czech Republic's Constitutional Court reaffirmed the ban on smiling in official passport and ID photos, citing EU identification standards.
• The case was brought by a man who argued that his membership in the 'Church of Smiles,' which promotes smiling as a core belief, warranted an exemption.
• Judges ruled that the requirement for a neutral expression does not infringe on the right to religious freedom and is necessary for secure identification.
• The court questioned the legitimacy of the 'Church of Smiles,' which is not legally recognized in the Czech Republic, and previously had its registration request denied.
• Similar photo regulations are in place across the European Union, including in Germany, to ensure uniformity and security in identification processes.

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