Catholic Schoolchildren in Madrid Banned from Three Kings Parade
Approximately 800 students at a Catholic school in Madrid’s southern Carabanchel district have been excluded from a local parade by city authorities.
According to a statement issued by the children's parents, they were excluded from participating because of their ‘Catholic belief system’. In the statement, the parents expressed their “disappointment” at the decision, saying they felt “discriminated” against.
City officials deny the claim, saying that it has barred the school from participating because of its policy of segregating boys and girls, which is against the school district rules.
The school says only two classes are segregated along sex lines, affecting only ten percent of students, and only some of the time.
Every January 5th, children around Spain take part in the country’s traditional Three Kings parades, the evening before Epiphany, the day on which Spanish children traditionally receive their presents.
Source: The Local.es