Staatliche Symbole zwischen Repräsentationsautonomie und Inklusionsgebot

The state manifests itself in its symbols and rituals. They emphasise its claim to permanence,
stability, continuity and legitimacy. Institutional action is symbolic action.
Against this background, the constitutional dimension of the cross needs to be reexamined.
Recently, it was ordered to be hung in all official buildings in Bavaria. With
regard to the fundamental rights dimension of the cross, the Federal Constitutional
Court has a broad body of case law to fall back on, although it will become apparent
that there are certain lacunae on the institutional side.