Legislation for the introduction of cremation in Greece

Policy Response DateFebruary 10, 2009 Country: Greece Address: Athens General Type: Equality/Integration Racism and discrimination phenomena: Anti-migrant/xenophobia, Islamophobia, Religious intolerance
Groups affected / Interested in: Migrants, Muslims, Religious minorities, Majority Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Culture, Integration - social cohesion

A recent presidential decree (n.31/2009) sets out the terms and conditions for the introduction of cremation in Greece. The decree took a year to prepare as it presupposes the creation of a new institution in Greece and the arrangement of certain issues regarding the protection of the environment. A law paving the way for cremation facilities to be built in Greece was approved by the Council of State, Greece’s highest administrative court, on September 2008. The relevant legislation is considered to be a positive step in respecting religious freedom and minorities in Greece.

Cremation as alternative to burials had been one of the proposals advanced by the Hellenic League for Human Rights regarding the separation of Church and State

 

Source:

Kathimerini English Edition, Cremation decree, 10.2.2009, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100016_10/02/2009_104576