In response to the Covid-19 epidemic, the government and local authorities have adopted measures which restrict religious freedom. The Italian authorities have imposed urgent and binding ordinances suspending all religious ceremonies, and have limited access to places of worship. These measures are justified by an emergency decree aimed at the protection of public health. Is such banning of religious practice entirely legitimate? The Italian Constitution stipulates that religious freedom can only be limited in certain manifestations and under specific conditions. Precise time constraints must be adhered to, and restrictions must be balanced against other constitutional rights including, of course, the right to health.
Article available only in Italian.