The Right of Religious Freedom in Light of the Coronavirus Pandemic: The Greek Case

The purpose of this article is to take into consideration the impact unprecedented restrictions due COVID-19 on exercise religious freedom according Greek legislation and case-law. crucial fact be examined proportionality exceptional measures State. At beginning pandemic, ceremonies were allowed only in presence clerics, but nowadays they are permitted condition that “social distancing” being followed strictly. As it generally accepted, State managed deal with pandemic without deviations from constitutional order protection fundamental rights, accordance a “pressing social need”. In context, case-law courts great importance, which ruled above mentioned did not offend principle proportionality, especially because their temporary short-term character. Nevertheless, these restrictive must revised time time, considering updated, epidemiological data selected most appropriate less stringent case-by-case basis. Consequently, judgments do give government blank cheque regarding management rather provide them clear framework able guarantee measures’ Constitution. However, potential risk people may become used imposed after crisis has passed overlooked.