Arinc Says There Is No Compulsory Religious Courses In Turkey

ANKARA - Commenting on a recent report by the Council of Europe, Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said, ''it is a mistake to claim there are compulsory religious courses in Turkish schools.''
Arinc replied questions of reporters regarding the report of the Council of Europe advising the removal of the ''religion'' bracket on national ID cards and an end for religious courses in Turkish schools.
Arinc said, ''with the new Constitution after 1980, there has been no compulsory religious courses in Turkish schools. However, there are cultural courses. These courses give general information about religions . As there are no compulsory religious courses, it is a mistake for the commission of the Council of Europe to ask for an end of them.''
Regarding the removal of the ''religion'' bracket on national ID cards, Arinc said, ''a change can be made in this issue through a proposal to be presented to Parliament. In conformity with the EU norms, Turkish government can prepare a draft, and an arrangement can easily be made without amending the Constitution.''