Proposed legislation from the EU could open the way for atheists to sue organisations that hang crosses or crucifixes in their buildings.
The law could affect any organisations offering public services such as hospitals, charities, businesses and prisons. The legislation is also designed to allow Christians to take legal action if they see material which would be offensive to them.
Although such laws already have effect in the workplace, the EU is now attempting to extend the legislation to the providers of goods and services.
The Church of England has spoken against the legislation, warning that it could lead to hospices and homeless charities facing legal action if people took offence at religious symbols such as the cross, or religious practices like saying grace before eating.
Simon Calvert, of the Christian Institute, said the law would “open a Pandora’s box”.
He added, “What about Gideon Bibles in hotel bedrooms? Would councils ban nativity scenes from Christmas displays?” reports The Daily Mail.
The UK Government attempted to pass similar legislation in 2005, but it was rejected by the House of Lords who feared it could lead to officials preventing public expressions of religion.
