Provincial Deputy Kurt Moens (N-VA) has confirmed plans to reintroduce a ban on religious symbols in East Flanders provincial education, following Minister Hilde Crevits’ annulment of the previous decision due to procedural errors.
Moens seeks to discuss the issue with his colleagues in the coming weeks. “We need to first determine how to legally reintroduce this,” he stated. “It was purely a procedural oversight: the school council’s opinions were not included. We will address this.”
The matter could potentially return to the provincial council by September, Moens suggested. “All options are open. We will assess what is practically and legally feasible.”
Moens expressed dissatisfaction at not having received support from coalition partner Vooruit during the last vote, calling it politically “uncomfortable.” He remarked, “I was very angry about it. If Vooruit’s message is to implement the coalition agreement, then that should be the focus. I’ve heard many politicians, even from Vooruit, advocate for neutrality. Let’s apply that at the provincial level as well.”
He concluded by emphasising, “I don’t want to engage in a major ideological battle over this. But if we, as provincial authorities, are committed to neutrality, we must act accordingly.”
