Court rules against religious bias in South African public educational institutions

A South African court on Wednesday ruled that public education establishments cannot promote anyone faith to the exclusion of
others, saying to do that was a violation of the schools Act, local media house reported.

The Organisation for Religious Education and Democracy (OGOD) had argued that it was in the interest of South Africa’s democracy that public schools not be allowed to favour a particular faith.

OGOD pleaded to the court to declare  the Countrie's religion policy of some six public schools as unconstitutional, accusing them of favouring Christianity over Islam and other known religions.

The six schools, the ministers of basic education and justice, and also the National Society for college Governing Bodies were respondents, local media house reported.

Judge Willem van der Linde said in his ruling that non secular observances may be conducted at state or state-aided establishments, as long as they're held on an equitable basis and group action was voluntary.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga had supported the application, saying faculties weren't allowed to specialise in only one faith.