Strasbourg, France - Hanging up a crucifix in a school classroom limits parents' right to educate their children according to their own religious convictions as well as the student's right not to believe in God, the European Court of Human Rights ruled Tuesday.

The verdict from the Strasbourg-based court follows a complaint raised by an Italian citizen of Finnish origin whose children attended a state school in northern Italy.

The school had refused to remove the crucifix despite a ruling by Italy's highest court, in 2000, stating that the presence of the crucifix violates the principle of Italy as a secular state.

The Strasbourg court is an international judicial body established under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) of 1950 to monitor the respect of human rights by its member states.

In its ruling, it said that the presence of a crucifix could disturb non-believers and students who profess non-Christian faiths.

The Italian government said it would appeal the decision.

Tuesday's ruling could have major implications for inter-religious dialogue across Europe. (dpa)