The presence of religious images and prayer in public buildigs are protected by the freedom of religion and are no discriminatory, according to Costa Rica’s Constitutional court.
The court decision followed an appeal by Mauricio Ordóñez that the religious image at the Municipalidad de Montes de Oca services platform affected him. In addition, the San Pedro municipal employee, in his appeal questions the prayer at the beginning each municipal council session.
The Court found that Ordóñez’s freedom of thought or conscience was never affected, nor was he caused harm or offence, expained judge Fernando Castillo.
Castillo added that the Court has extensive jurisprudence in respect of religious freedom in the country.
Montes de Oca Deputy Mayor, Viviana Jimenez, said religious activities never interfere with the normal working of the municipality, nor citizens.
