Some courts in Flanders have stipulated, in the context of child custody proceedings and as a condition of granting visitation rights, that a noncustodial parent who is a member of Jehovah's Witnesses may not expose his or her children to the teachings or lifestyle of that religious group during visits. These courts have claimed that such exposure would be harmful to the child. However, other courts have not imposed this restriction. The Government permits religious instruction in public schools but does not require students to attend religion classes. Public school religion teachers are nominated by a committee from their religious group and appointed by the Minister of Education.
All public schools have a teacher for each of the six recognized religions.
The Catholic Church also maintains a network of private schools at the primary and secondary levels. Catholic schools receive government subsidies for working expenses and teacher salaries. Children and their parents may choose the religious course in which they wish to be enrolled. A seventh choice, a nonconfessional course, is available if the child does not wish a religious course. No arrests or convictions resulted from this raid.