Swedish Government Wants to Allow Hymns at School Graduation

“Students should be able to sing hymns at graduation,” The Local reports.

To an outsider, it may seem ridiculous. But in this country, the unease about the tradition of ending the public school year in church has created a situation where no one really knows what they law says about it. Now, the Government says it wants to make it clear. A hymn at graduation is permitted. Personally, I’m torn. I don’t really consider hymns that much of a problem. Religious minorities—including atheists—can simply be quiet while the rest is singing. In my circles, the problem of religion in public schools has a lot more to do with being able to keep Shabbat during the winter months when sunset is early in the afternoon. This is a much bigger problem to many Jewish teenagers who wish to be more observant.