Russia - Religious Attire and Religious Instruction in Public Schools. Freedom to Open Non-State Religious Schools

This chapter draws upon jurisprudence of the Russian Supreme Court to illustrate the balance between freedom of education and secular nature of public education in Russia. In establishing this balance, the Supreme Court confirmed the legitimacy of the ban on religious headwear in public schools. It has also upheld the Government’s decision to introduce a school course on religious cultures and secular ethics equally covering all major religions and, once again, confirmed the right of religious organisations to open Sunday schools without an educational licence.