Abstract

This case note analyzes a judgment of the Court of Appeals of Rome concerning some posters for the propagation of atheism, whose posting had been forbidden by the Municipality of Verona. Such prohibition results in substantive censorship of religious (atheistic) propaganda and, therefore, in discrimination. The judgment is logically articulated, and also presents innovative insights with specific regard to the award of punitive damages as a deterrent against unjustified compressions of freedom of conscience by public administrations.