Event Ban at Carinthia Carnival Continues Despite Decisions from VfGH
### Title: Carinthian ÖVP Proposes "Constitutionally Compliant Succession Regulation" to Maintain Good Friday Event Ban
In the Austrian province of Carinthia, the ÖVP (Austrian People's Party) has put forth a legislative proposal aimed at preserving the traditional event ban on Good Friday. This measure, known as the "constitutionally compliant succession regulation," seeks to balance Christian fundamental values with constitutional principles, particularly the principle of equality.
The event ban on Good Friday, a significant Christian holiday, has been a longstanding tradition in Carinthia, restricting certain public events or entertainment activities on this day out of respect for Christian observance.
The proposed regulation aims to uphold this tradition while ensuring compliance with constitutional principles. To achieve this balance, the regulation will:
1. Maintain the Event Ban for Good Friday: The regulation will continue the traditional prohibition of certain events on Good Friday, honouring the Christian fundamental values embedded in the region's social fabric.
2. Ensure Non-Discrimination and Equality: The ban will not arbitrarily favour Christianity while excluding other religious or secular considerations. If restrictions apply, they will be justified in a way that respects equal treatment and freedoms for all citizens.
3. Balance Tradition and Modern Constitutional Law: The proposal will create a balanced legal framework that recognizes the cultural importance of Good Friday while meeting contemporary legal standards that prevent discrimination and uphold religious neutrality in the public sphere.
The ÖVP's proposal comes after the Carinthian event ban on Good Fridays was abolished by the Constitutional Court (VfGH) this year, following an appeal from a concert organizer in Villach. The VfGH's decision, made in December 2024, stated that the ban violated the principle of equality, interfering with other fundamental rights such as the freedom of art or the freedom to pursue a livelihood.
The ÖVP's criticism of the VfGH's ruling remains unchanged, and they aim to present a solution that respects Christian fundamental values. The Carinthian ÖVP will continue to work on a "constitutionally compliant succession regulation" until the abolition of the event ban at the end of 2025.
The Interest Group of Cultural Initiatives in Carinthia/Koroška (IG KiKK) has voiced concerns that the proposed regulation could lead to an event ban "through the back door" in Carinthia. They argue that event bans are a sign of an imbalance that has now been confirmed by the Constitutional Court.
As the ÖVP moves forward with its proposal, it remains to be seen how the specifics of a "constitutionally compliant solution" will be implemented and how the political landscape in Carinthia will react to this proposed legislation.
The ÖVP's proposal for a "constitutionally compliant succession regulation" in Carinthia highlights the ongoing debate between maintaining traditional Good Friday event bans and adhering to principles of equal treatment and constitutional neutrality in politics. This policy-and-legislation move is a response to the Carinthian event ban's abolition by the Constitutional Court, which was criticized by the ÖVP for interfering with the region's Christian fundamental values. The discussion over this legislation could potentially affect the general-news landscape in Carinthia, as money and resources might be allocated to ensure a balanced and fair legislation that respects both religious and secular interests.
