Hungary’s Christian Culture as Subject of Constitutional Protection
Hungary’s Christian Culture as Subject of Constitutional Protection
Author(s): Balázs SchandaSubject(s): Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, History of Law, Constitutional Law, International Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Philosophy of Law
Published by: Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II - Wydział Prawa, Prawa Kanonicznego i Administracji
Keywords: Church-State relations; Law on Religion; Constitutional Law; constitutional identity; Christianity; culture; Hungary;
Summary/Abstract: Since 2018 the Fundamental Law of Hungary (the Constitution) has provided for the protection of the Christian culture of Hungary as an obligation of all organs of the State. The Fundamental Law does not commit the Hungarian State to Christian religion or to Christian culture in general, but specifically to the cultural tradition of the country. Despite the recognition of the cultural role of Christianity, the Constitution remains neutral with regard to religion and the freedom of religion is recognised. The constitutional provision discussed in this study, i.e. Article R) para. 4, expressly identifies the culture of Hungary as a culture shaped by Christianity. Culture was born from faith, but faith cannot be born from a historic legacy and even less from a constitutional provision. Thus, the aim of the constitutional legislator was undoubtedly to place a stronger emphasis on the identity of the nation.
Journal: Studia z Prawa Wyznaniowego
- Issue Year: 2020
- Issue No: 23
- Page Range: 55-72
- Page Count: 18
- Language: English