Council of State: The absence of an alternative subject for those exempted from Religious Studies is illegal

The Council of State has requested the Ministry of Education to ensure an alternative subject to Religious Studies for middle and high school students, ruling that the administration’s previous omission is illegal. In two decisions (2417-8/2025), the Supreme Court orders the necessary actions to ensure the seamless implementation of teaching an alternative subject to Religious Studies for students who desire it.

Furthermore, the case has been referred back to the Administration to comply and take the required actions starting from the current school year (2025-2026) and in the following years.

These actions include issuing the necessary ministerial decisions regarding the assignment of suitable educators to teach the alternative subject, incorporating the subject into the school curriculum, and using appropriate teaching tools based on information and communication technology (digital systems – distance learning) to guarantee the teaching of the alternative subject to all middle and high school students across the country who wish to participate