Bologna, November 24, 2014 – “When a religious belief is used as a tool to marginalize and exclude those who don't agree with it, it's clear that its symbols become completely irreconcilable with a public environment, and particularly with a school.” Flavio Romani, president of Arcigay, weighs in on the case of Davide Zotti, the Trieste teacher who a few weeks ago removed the crucifix from his classroom. "We have learned," Romani continues, "that a procedure has been opened with the Regional School Office of Friuli Venezia Giulia that could lead to disciplinary action against the teacher. We avert this eventuality and extend our full solidarity to the teacher: that crucifix, exploited by representatives of the Catholic Church themselves and in whose name they legitimize the exclusion of homosexual and transgender people not only from rights but also from social recognition, is associated with a subtle attempt to instill in young people beliefs that should in no way be contemplated in a public school environment. Professor Zotti's protest is therefore not only the legitimate reaction of a homosexual person but also an exemplary educational gesture that protects his students, emphasizing the meaning of a secular state and the duty to protect the school from any violation of this principle. Arcigay," Romani concludes, "is therefore wholeheartedly supporting the demonstration called by Professor Zotti's colleagues for the upcoming first semester." December, the day on which the teacher will be heard by Ministry officials".