How do i make my four-year-old daughter’s teacher understand that she’s not supposed to teach her prayers? -Davide

I once found myself in a similar situation. I’d gone to hand in the enrollment form at my daughters’ new daycare when the teacher asked me: “Why are you not having the girls join in the religion class?”. Her question was almost illegal, but i did reply: “You know, these girls have two dads, the Catholic Church is not exactly our best friend”. She insisted, slipping into unconstitutional territory: “I see but, you know, at that age religion class is not much, just songs, drawings”. What really convinced me though was the fact that they would have been the only ones not participating: “We don’t offer any alternative classes, they will have to stand in the hallway”. The mere possibility of this occurring broke my heart, so i corrected the forms right away.

As i told them what happened, all my friends protested: “They say the same thing to everyone, so no one has the courage to pull out from religion class”. A few days later - probably by divine intervention - my partner got a very good job offer in Switzerland, pulling us out from this mess. But I discovered a real solution did exist: by the italian law the school is compelled to offer alternative activities to religion class when requested by parents. And this applies to your case too: it is forbidden to pray and hold religious ceremonies during school hours. Look for parents who share your views and go talk to the teacher. There is strength in numbers.

Internazionale, numero 944, 13 aprile 2012