Secularism And Freedom of Religion: The Approach of the European Court of Human Rights

2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 611-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Morini
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Religious Freedom ◽  
Freedom Of Religion ◽  
The Political ◽  
Modus Operandi ◽  
Competing Interests ◽  
European Court ◽  
Margin Of Appreciation ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Relationship

This Article focuses on the approach of the European Court of Human Rights, based in Strasbourg, concerning the relationship between secularism and freedom of religion and the application of the “margin of appreciation doctrine.” Through the investigation of the relevant jurisprudence of the Court dealing with religious freedom and the principle of secularism (the Şahin, Dahlab, and Lautsi cases), the Author demonstrates that Court jurisprudence is moving from the application of principles of “pluralist secularism” toward a “fundamentalist approach” to secularism. Having evaluated the modus operandi of the Court in the light of the competing interests at stake, the Author suggests that in deciding cases where secularism and freedom to manifest religion collide, the Court should follow a case-by-case approach primarily aimed at protecting individual liberties and has to consider the political and cultural background of each situation and the effective impact on the State's life of the individual behavior.

Principles of National Constitutionalism limiting Individual Claims in Human Rights Law

ICL Journal ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul De Hert ◽  
Stefan Somers
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Church And State ◽  
Freedom Of Religion ◽  
Proper Function ◽  
Religious Conflicts ◽  
European Court ◽  
Margin Of Appreciation ◽  
Human Rights Treaties ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractThe scope of the fundamental right to freedom of religion has been broadly dis­cussed in recent jurisprudence and doctrine. Doctrine has however paid little attention to the role of constitutionalism and its principles such as this of the separation of church and state and the division of power. These principles are often not mentioned as such in inter­national human rights treaties. Does this mean that they are irrelevant in human rights adjudication?This article addresses the proper function of constitutionalism in human rights jurisprudence and in settling religious conflicts more in general. The Lautsi judgment of the European Court of Human Rights is used as a trigger to look at the relationship between religion, constitutionalism and human rights, and at the legitimacy of supranational courts. The article argues that international human rights jurisprudence must take national consti­tutionalism and its principles into account when dealing with the freedom of religion, even when those principles are not explicitly enshrined in human rights treaties. For this the use of the margin of appreciation seems to be appropriate.

scholarly journals Reconciling Pluralistic Democracy and Religious Freedom in European Human Rights Law: A Jurisprudential Balance in Search of Principles

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-203
Author(s):  
Roberto Buonamano
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Religious Freedom ◽  
Public Order ◽  
Human Rights Law ◽  
State Neutrality ◽  
European Court ◽  
Margin Of Appreciation ◽  
Minimum Requirements ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This article examines some of the structural and systemic issues associated with the relationship between pluralistic democracy and religious freedom within the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. These include the problematic aspects of the doctrine of State neutrality, and the function of secularism in the understanding of “democratic society”. It assesses the principal jurisprudential mechanisms utilised in religious freedom cases—namely, the notion of “public order”, the association of secularism with gender equality, the principles of the “minimum requirements of life in society”, and the margin of appreciation in the context of democratic legitimation. As the article demonstrates, the Court’s approach to negotiating the appropriate balance between pluralistic democracy and religious rights is marred by a reluctance to clearly elucidate the principles involved in the implementation of democratic values under the Convention when considering the means of protecting and limiting the freedom of religion.

scholarly journals Framework of communication needed to protect against human rights violations of individuals who exercise their right to religious freedom in minority religions

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanus P. Pretorius
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Religious Freedom ◽  
Freedom Of Religion ◽  
World Peace ◽  
Special Rapporteur ◽  
International Level ◽  
Minority Religions ◽  
Religious Intolerance ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Relationship

The right to religious freedom is generally believed to be the solution to religious intolerance and discrimination and to ensure world peace amongst world citizens. On an international level, the United Nations, through the appointment of a special rapporteur for freedom of religion and belief, has introduced a tool to monitor violations of this right. This tool is known as �the framework of communications� and is focused mainly on the relationship between governments and religions. Unfortunately, religion is not excluded from the violation of human rights within its own ranks. This article pointed out that however pure the intention of freedom of religion, no real measures are in place to address violations of human rights in minority religions. Therefore, a tool is needed to investigate and address alleged violations within minority religions.

Physical Education and Religious Freedom

2019 ◽  
pp. 144-155
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Margaritis
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Religious Freedom ◽  
Case Law ◽  
Democratic Society ◽  
The Other ◽  
Recent Case ◽  
Freedom Of Religion ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
European Court

Freedom of religion has been constantly characterized as one of the foundations of a democratic society. On the other hand, the significance of physical education in the development of children's overall personality is beyond dispute. Thus, the question that arises is, What happens in a case of a conflict involving the above? The aim of this chapter is to provide an answer on the basis of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. In particular, the fundamental cases of Dogru vs. France and Kervanci vs. France will be examined, as well as the recent case of Osmanoglu and Kocabas vs. Switzerland. Through the analysis of the cases, useful conclusions will be drawn on the possible impact of religious freedom on physical education.

scholarly journals Freedom of Religion and Freedom from Religion

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (01) ◽  
pp. 3-13 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Religious Freedom ◽  
Well Being ◽  
European Convention ◽  
Freedom Of Religion ◽  
Religious Expression ◽  
European Court ◽  
Religious Extremism ◽  
Domestic Courts ◽  
The Right

The right to freedom of religion, enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights has been frequently tested, both in UK courts and in the European Court of Human Rights, where successive decisions over a number of years led to the establishment of several well-known principles. However, in recent years religious extremism has brought into focus a tension between the right of freedom of religious expression and the well-being of individuals (not least children) and society. The Strasbourg court requires neutrality on the part of the state and its courts. However, unlike the European Court of Human Rights, the domestic courts have had to face situations where religious observance can be seen to be causing serious harm and where interference in religious freedom and family life has been shown to be justified.

scholarly journals Religious Freedom and the European Court of Human Rights’ Two Margins of Appreciation

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 198-209
Author(s):  
Stephanie E. Berry
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Religious Freedom ◽  
The State ◽  
Complete Picture ◽  
European Convention ◽  
Article 9 ◽  
European Court ◽  
Margin Of Appreciation ◽  
Religious Clothing

Abstract The European Court of Human Rights’ (ECtHR) use of the margin of appreciation (MoA) in cases concerning religious clothing is well-documented. This article paints a more complete picture of the use of the doctrine in cases falling within Article 9 and Article 2, Protocol 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights (echr). The ECtHR’s use of the normative MoA often appears to be superfluous as it does not seem to extend past the Article 9(2) echr, limitations clause. In contrast, the systemic MoA allows almost complete deference to the State, which has the potential to undermine the religious freedom of minorities.

Limitations on Freedom of Religion and Belief in the Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights in the Quarter Century since Its Judgment in Kokkinakis v. Greece

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 174-197
Author(s):  
Mark Hill ◽  
Katherine Barnes
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Religious Beliefs ◽  
Case Law ◽  
Democratic Society ◽  
European Convention ◽  
Freedom Of Religion ◽  
Public Order ◽  
Quarter Century ◽  
European Court ◽  
Margin Of Appreciation

Abstract The manifestation of religious beliefs under Article 9 the European Convention on Human Rights is not absolute but may be subject to prescribed limitations. This article discusses the nature and extent of those limitations, as interpreted in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights from its decision in Kokkinakis v. Greece up to the present. It contrasts the prescriptive text of the Article with its lose and inconsistent interpretation by the Court in Strasbourg. Particular attention is given to the criteria of “prescribed by law”, “necessary in a democratic society”, “public safety”, “public order, health or morals” and “the rights and freedoms of others”. It seeks to divine principles from the varied jurisprudence, particularly at its intersection with the Court’s illusory doctrine of margin of appreciation.

2. European Convention on Human Rights

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadette Rainey
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Freedom Of Expression ◽  
European Convention ◽  
Right To Life ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
European Court ◽  
Margin Of Appreciation ◽  
Protection Of Human Rights ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Right

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter first explains the background and rationale for the formation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), tracing its roots to the Council of Europe that was formed in 1949 and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) established a year later. It then looks at the different kinds of human rights embedded in the ECHR, including the right to life, right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, right to property, and right to free elections. The chapter also provides an overview of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), along with the major changes made to its complaints system and how it interprets the Convention rights. Finally, it considers the ECtHR’s use of proportionality and margin of appreciation doctrines to find the balance between the rights of the individual and the community when deciding upon qualified rights.

scholarly journals An Empirical Investigation of the Use of Limitations to Freedom of Religion or Belief at the European Court of Human Rights

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 96-133
Author(s):  
Thiago Alves Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
The State ◽  
Freedom Of Religion ◽  
High Threshold ◽  
Legal Certainty ◽  
European Court ◽  
Margin Of Appreciation ◽  
The Right

Abstract Most literature on freedom of religion or belief argues that there should be a high threshold for the imposition of limitations to the manifestation of the right. However, the practice of the European Court of Human Rights shows that the bar is much lower than academics suggest. This article explores this issue by analysing a plethora of cases and on the basis of interviews with lawyers connected to the Court. While the Court often considers the requirements of legality, legitimacy, and necessity, it does so briefly; focusing mostly on the analysis of proportionality and the margin of appreciation to the State in question. This approach makes the decisions exceedingly subjective and leads to little legal certainty in the area. Therefore, it is suggested that if the Court would analyse all criteria to impose limitations strictly, it could become more efficient while providing greater protection for persons to manifest their religion or belief.

scholarly journals Pandangan Mufasir Indonesia Terhadap Isu-Isu Hak Asasi Manusia

MUTAWATIR ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-213
Author(s):  
Ahmad Mujahid
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Death Penalty ◽  
Religious Freedom ◽  
Freedom Of Religion ◽  
Death Sentence ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Rights Issues

This article argues that the attitude of Indonesian mufassir is not always parallel in respond to the concept of Human Rights. This is shown from our discussion of three contextual issues in human rights: freedom of religion, freedom to find a mate, and death sentence, which are exemplified by comparing to the three Indonesian mufassir: Hamka’s Tafsir al-Azhar, Hasbi ash-Shiddieqy’s Tafsir al-Nur and Tafsir al-Bayan, and Quraish Shihab’s Tafsir Al-Mishbah. The article concludes: First, in respond to the human rights issues, Indonesian commentators tend to be responsive. All three exegetes denied those who claimed that Islam was spread with violence and those who opposed the death penalty. Second, on the relationship between human rights and Islam, the commentators have similarities and differences with human rights. Among these similarities, for example, is the issue of religious freedom. As for the issue of freedom to choose a mate and a death sentence, they are taking a different position from human rights. On the issue of death penalty, the commentators emphasize to not only looking from the side of the killer, but also from the right of the murder.

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