Germany: Berlin Court Upholds School Prayer Ban Amid Criticism, Allegations of Discrimination Against Muslim Students
Germany: Berlin Court Upholds School Prayer Ban Amid Criticism, Allegations of Discrimination Against Muslim Students
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A court in Berlin has ruled that Diesterweg-Gymnasium may maintain its ban on prayer and public religious practices on school premises, sparking debate over religious freedom in educational institutions and allegations of discrimination against Muslim students. The Berlin Administrative Court justified the restriction on the grounds of preserving school peace and preventing conflicts among students.
The ruling, issued on October 15, 2026, followed religiously motivated disputes at the school. The court cited incidents involving attempts to impose religious practices on students, including girls being insulted for not wearing hijab and efforts to influence other students’ religious beliefs. It concluded that these circumstances justified restricting public religious practices to protect a peaceful school environment, while acknowledging that the ban particularly affects Muslim students who wish to perform their prayers during the school day.
The court also rejected the proposal to designate a separate prayer room, citing insufficient space and staffing to supervise such a facility, as well as concerns that it could intensify existing tensions.
The Society for Civil Rights (GFF) had challenged the ban in court, arguing that it discriminates against Muslim students and violates Berlin’s anti-discrimination law.
