The administrative court of Nîmes ruled that the display violated secularism laws and ordered its removal by December 23, imposing a penalty of €1,000 for each day of non-compliance. The court stated that Christian symbols in public spaces must adhere to the principles of secularism and governmental neutrality.

Despite the ruling, Beaucaire’s mayor, Nelson Chaudon, refused to remove the nativity scene, defying both the initial order and a subsequent court mandate. In response, Ligue des Droits de l’Homme requested that the fine be increased to €5,000 per day for continued non-compliance. A hearing on the matter was held on February 5 at the administrative court of Nîmes.

This case is the latest in a long-standing legal dispute over Christian symbols in Beaucaire’s town hall, with similar controversies arising since 2016.

Source: cnews.fr