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Good Friday in Carinthia: Ban remains despite VfGH decision!
The Carinthian event ban could be lifted on Good Friday 2025. Spark discussions about religious freedom and equality.
Good Friday in Carinthia: Ban remains despite VfGH decision!
On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, a controversial ban on events will be discussed in Carinthia. The Constitutional Court (VfGH) has decided that the existing ban is likely to be lifted. This decision follows a review of the law's provision, which is considered unconstitutional because it violates the principle of equality. A Good Friday concert in Villach in 2023, which was punished with a fine of 400 euros for the organizer, was the trigger for this audit. [vienna.at].
The ÖVP's Deputy Governor Martin Gruber described the Constitutional Court's decision as an "unchristian gift" and is determined to use all legal means to preserve the ban. This position is being questioned by the SPÖ, the ÖVP's coalition partner. According to the SPÖ, there is currently no constitutionally compliant proposal from the ÖVP. In addition, the interest group for cultural initiatives in Carinthia/Koroška (IG KiKK) expresses concerns that a new ban could be introduced “via the back door”. She calls for real equality of freedom of events in the law.
Legal framework for the practice of religion
Religious freedom is protected by law in Austria, which includes both individual rights such as freedom of belief and religious practice as well as corporate rights for churches and religious societies. Everyone aged 14 or over has the right to freely choose their religious belief, and authorities are obliged to protect this choice. This means that people have the right to choose or change their affiliation with a church or religious community, as well as the freedom not to belong to one. The right to practice religion can be public or private and includes worship, instruction and observance of religious customs. oesterreich.gv.at emphasizes that all citizens, regardless of their religious belief, enjoy the same civil and political rights.
In its decisions, the Constitutional Court states that the ban on events not only violates fundamental rights, but in particular also against freedom of art and freedom of employment. This has a central impact on the cultural landscape of Carinthia and raises questions about the future handling of religious and cultural events.