On Monday, MPs discussed the extension of Covid laws, including the reports by the State Council and the Human Rights Commission. The latter welcomes the redrafting of sanitary protocols in supermarkets, which previously lacked cohesion.
Nevertheless, questions were raised regarding the necessity to cancel all cultural events, such as theatre performances. The Commission concluded that cultural rights were not to be separated from human rights since they contribute to the mental health of the population. The Commission explicitly questioned the scientific basis for the ban, noting that theatres do not significantly differ from supermarkets in terms of infection risks. It was thus advised to reconsider the closure of the cultural sector.
Further questions concerned the section on religious communities. Although the laws acknowledge that spaces for prayers and ceremonies are allowed to stay open, the measure may still cause discrimination towards those groups that do not convene in such places. Xavier Bettel will therefore meet with religious representatives in his role as minister for religious affairs.
The Commission for Human Rights finally welcomed that non-profits will still be allowed to operate social institutions and provide food.
The Covid law report, compiled by Mars Di Bartolomeo, was accepted on Monday morning and will be up for vote in the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday morning.
