Brazil's top court allows state schools to teach religion
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Brazil's Supreme Court has voted narrowly to authorize state schools to promote specific religions.
Chief Justice Carmen Lucia made the deciding vote Wednesday in favor of so-called confessional schools, at which teachers will be permitted to promote their religious beliefs during class. In non-confessional schools, teachers can only discuss the history and social impact of religion.
The 6-5 decision by Brazil's top court also states that students cannot be compelled to attend religion classes and that they must have their parents' permission to participate.
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Brazil's constitution says religion classes should be available for pupils between the ages of 9 and 14, but it doesn't specify what should be taught.
Several private schools and universities in Brazil have links to the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical faiths.