Italian Government Proposes Fines for Schools Refusing Nativity Displays

The controversial law, aimed at safeguarding Italy's Christian heritage, faces criticism from opposition parties and school principals.

Giorgia Meloni's government, the Brothers of Italy party, has proposed a law to fine or discipline school principals who refuse to put up nativity scenes or hold traditional Christian events during Christmas and Easter.
The proposed law is seen as an attempt to safeguard Italy's cultural roots and Christian heritage, which the government believes is being undermined.
Opposition parties and school principals have criticized the proposed law, calling it a distraction from the real problems facing Italy's schools and an exploitation of religion for political purposes.
Since coming to power in 2022, the Meloni government has introduced several bills aimed at protecting Italy's traditional Catholic/Christian values, including potential bans on Muslim prayer spaces outside of mosques and restrictions on same-sex couples registering their children.
The proposed law is the latest in a series of culture war initiatives by the Meloni government, which has sought to defend the traditional family and national identity, protect cultural heritage, and restrict migrant arrivals.