Introduction: Women’s Religious Freedom and Freedom of Religion or Belief

Abstract The article describes the making of the right of worship of Muslim minorities in Europe and its current difficulties, presenting and commenting on the emblematic example of local legislation concerning the building of new mosques in northern Italy. Controlling norms arise from recent decisions of the Italian Constitutional Court. The Court declared unconstitutional certain provisions of two regional laws approved by the Lombardy region (2/2015) and the Veneto region (12/2016), which imposed very strict conditions for the opening, approval and use of mosques. In particular, the Court declared unconstitutional norms that—with regard to the building of places of worship—introduced certain conditions for groups with an agreement with the State and different conditions for those without. Moreover, the Court declared unconstitutional the principle that all religious services that take place in a building open to public should be conducted in Italian. The basic assumption of the article is that current discrimination is the combined result of anti-migration sentiment and Islamophobic prejudices, and the consequence of the Eurocentric nature of the principle of religious freedom. A historically-oriented pluralism and multilevel (national) enforcement of freedom of religion seem to be huge obstacles to the implementation of the right to worship for Muslims in Europe and Italy.

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

Verbum et Ecclesia ◽

10.4102/ve.v33i1.516 ◽

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.

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THE CONCEPT OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: HISTORY AND MODERNITY

Sophia. Human and Religious Studies Bulletin ◽

10.17721/sophia.2020.15.5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 21-23

Author(s):

Mariia Nesterova

Keyword(s):

Human Rights ◽

Religious Freedom ◽

Dominant Role ◽

Freedom Of Religion ◽

National Interests ◽

Important Place ◽

Religious Traditions ◽

Personal Rights ◽

The Status ◽

Human Rights Standards

The concept of religious freedom, the history of its development, the concept of religious freedom in acts of international organizations, as well as the legislation of Ukraine is considered. Human rights and freedoms do not depend on the socio-economic structure of the state and the level of its development. They should be provided to every person and guaranteed by the country. Constitution and national legislation. It should be noted that the relevance of the issue of international human rights standards (including religious freedom) has become much more acute for our country. No one should be subjected to coercion that diminishes his will to have or accept a religion or belief of his own choosing. Freedom to manifest religion or belief is subject only to restrictions established by law and necessary to protect public safety, order, health, and morals. The features of improvement and trends of changes in the understanding of religious freedom in different epochs and cultural and historical periods of the development of society are analyzed. For a meaningful understanding and clarification of all controversial issues related to the issues of freedom of religion, the origin and perception of it by thinkers and religious traditions of past centuries are considered. The problematic moments and promising achievements of the Ukrainian legislation in matters relating to religious freedom and the rights of believers are highlighted. Freedom of conscience and freedom of religion occupy an important place in the system of personal rights. Guaranteeing the equality of churches before the law, our state recognizes and abides by the provisions, none of them can claim a dominant role in society and the status of a state, and national interests should prevail over the interests of any religious organization.

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Barns rett til religionsfrihet

Prismet ◽

10.5617/pri.4479 ◽

1970 ◽

pp. 273-287

Author(s):

Rune Øystese

Keyword(s):

Human Rights ◽

Religious Freedom ◽

Freedom Of Religion ◽

Best Interest ◽

Children And Parents ◽

The Right

This article discusses whether there is a tension between granting children freedom of religion and giving the parents the right to decide over the upbringing of their children. It presents what Norwegian law, which has incorporated several UN Human Rights conventions, has to say about this. It also discusses whether the interpretation presented can be in the best interest of the child. The last part addresses how parents can give their children a sound religious upbringing and still give them the freedom to choose their own faith.Keywords: Rights of children and parents, Religious freedom, Religious upbringingNøkkelord: Barn og foreldres rettigheter, religiøs frihet, religiøs oppdragelse,

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Physical Education and Religious Freedom

Advances in Business Information Systems and Analytics - Law, Ethics, and Integrity in the Sports Industry ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-5387-8.ch007 ◽

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.

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Public Accommodations

10.4018/978-1-6684-3674-5.ch002 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 13-33

Author(s):

Karla L. Drenner

Keyword(s):

Sexual Orientation ◽

Religious Freedom ◽

Freedom Of Speech ◽

Freedom Of Religion ◽

Same Sex ◽

Same Sex Marriage ◽

Historical Approach

The chapter examines potential issues posed by the wide variety of state public accommodation statutes in the context of sexual orientation and religious freedom. The historical approach to antidiscrimination will briefly be examined. A review of recent cases of discrimination due to the legalization of same-sex marriage are analyzed in the context of the arguments regarding freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

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Freedom of Religion and Freedom from Religion

Ecclesiastical Law Journal ◽

10.1017/s0956618x16001058 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 19 (01) ◽

pp. 3-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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The Place of the Niqab in the Courtroom

ICL Journal ◽

10.1515/icl-2015-0104 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Vrinda Narain

Keyword(s):

Supreme Court ◽

Religious Freedom ◽

Minority Rights ◽

Fair Trial ◽

Freedom Of Religion ◽

Reasonable Accommodation ◽

Critical Multiculturalism ◽

The Supreme Court ◽

The Right ◽

Religious Reasons

AbstractThis paper analyzes the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in R v NS, 2012 SCC 72 where the Court considered if a witness who wears a niqab for religious reasons can be required to remove it while testifying. The Court identified the two Charter rights engaged: the witness’ freedom of religion and the accused’s fair trial rights, including the right to make full answer and defense. This paper focuses on those aspects of the Supreme Court’s decision that relate to religious freedom, multiculturalism and reasonable accommodation. Analyzing the Court’s reasoning through the lens of critical multiculturalism, I consider the potential of the reasonable accommodation framework to forward minority rights. I suggest that had the Supreme Court applied an intersectional framework to adjudicating NS’s claim, it could have crafted a more contextual response based on her location along multiple axes of discrimination: gender, religion and racialised minority. This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of mediating individual and group tensions, to move towards a more inclusive notion of citizenship than can foster a commitment to a shared multicultural future.

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Religious interfaith work in Canada and South Africa with particular focus on the drafting of a South African Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies ◽

10.4102/hts.v69i1.1319 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 69 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Iain T. Benson

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

South African ◽

Religious Freedom ◽

Religious Communities ◽

Freedom Of Religion ◽

Religious Groups ◽

African Charter ◽

The Creation ◽

South African Constitution ◽

Constitutional Protections

Constitutional protections for religious freedom (and related freedoms of conscience, belief and association and equality), once interpreted by courts and tribunals, apply in a precedential manner to future cases. They have an influence well beyond the particular community to which they first applied. For this reason, religious communities have increasingly banded together and sought to intervene or even, on occasion, to initiate legal actions asserting or defending their rights. This article reviews some of the principles around the freedom of religion as understood in South Africa and Canada to show how courts have understood the freedom of religion in its social context. In addition, interfaith cooperation is discussed with particular reference to the recent process which led to the formation of a Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms pursuant to Section 234 of the South African Constitution (which is attached to the article). This section, a unique provision in any constitution, allows for the creation of additional Charters to give greater specificity to the general language of the Constitution itself. As such, it is an encouragement to civil society to determine what it thinks are the important provisions that should be spelled out to give guidance to politicians and the judiciary. Awide variety of religious groups participated in the creation of the Charter. The Charter does not claim to be, nor could it be, exhaustive of such concerns but demonstrates that religions can cooperate across a host of issues in education, health care, employment and other issues. The next stage – passage into law, is still in the future but the first important hurdle has been crossed with the signing of the Charter in October of 2010. The Charter might be a template for other countries though changes would be necessary to deal with local issues.

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Religious Freedom and Pluralistic Europe. Challenges for Christians

European Journal of Theology ◽

10.5117/ejt2020.1.006.saue ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 49-61

Author(s):

Christof Sauer

Keyword(s):

Religious Freedom ◽

Hate Speech ◽

Public Life ◽

Christian Ethics ◽

Religious Practices ◽

Freedom Of Religion ◽

State Control ◽

Intellectual Engagement ◽

Cooperative Strategies ◽

Truth Claims

SUMMARYChristians in Europe face challenges regarding freedom of religion or belief which differ in magnitude or character from those facing Christians elsewhere. The 51 states associated with geographical Europe are predominantly Christian but denominationally diverse and in part highly secularised. Those which cause highest concern in global religious freedom surveys are on the fringe of Europe: populous Russia and Turkey and less populous Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Yet numerous western countries also give cause for concern. Problems identified are stereotyping, vilification and hate speech; violence against people and objects; state control of religious practices; excluding religion from public life; and suppressing conscience, traditional Christian ethics and truth claims. Christian responses to such challenges include descriptive, legal and spiritual approaches, such as litigation, political lobbying and campaigning, cooperative strategies, intellectual engagement and attempts at shaping culture.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGChristen in Europa stehen vor Herausforderungen im Blick auf Religions- und Weltanschauungsfreiheit, die sich in Ausmaß und Charakter von denen unterscheiden, denen sich Christen anderswo gegenübersehen. Die 51 Staaten, die mit dem geographischen Europa assoziiert werden, sind überwiegend christlich, aber konfessionell vielfältig und zum Teil stark säkularisiert. Diejenigen, die in globalen Erhebungen zur Religionsfreiheit am meisten Anlass zur Sorge geben, liegen am Rande Europas: die bevölkerungsreichen Länder Russland und Türkei sowie die weniger bevölkerungsreichen Aserbaidschan und Kasachstan. Aber auch zahlreiche westliche Länder geben Anlass zur Sorge. Als Probleme werden Stereotypisierung, Verunglimpfung und Hassreden, Gewalt gegen Menschen und Objekte, staatliche Kontrolle religiöser Praktiken, Ausschluss der Religion aus dem öffentlichen Leben und die Unterdrückung des Gewissens, der traditionellen christlichen Ethik und der Wahrheitsansprüche genannt. Christliche Antworten auf solche Herausforderungen umfassen beschreibende, rechtliche und geistliche Ansätze, wie Prozessieren, politische Lobbyarbeit und Kampagnen, kooperative Strategien, intellektuelles Engagement und Versuche die Kultur zu gestalten.RÉSUMÉEn Europe, les chrétiens font face à des problèmes en matière de liberté religieuse et de liberté de conscience, dont la nature et l’ampleur diffèrent de ceux que rencontrent les chrétiens dans d’autres parties du monde. Les cinquante-et-un États constituant l’Europe géographique sont majoritairement chrétiens, mais en même temps très divers au plan confessionnel, et en partie très sécularisés. Ceux qui suscitent le plus de préoccupations selon les enquêtes mondiales sur la liberté religieuse se trouvent à la périphérie de l’Europe : la Russie et la Turquie, très peuplées, ainsi que l’Azerbaïdjan et le Kazakhstan, moins peuplés. Cependant, la situation dans de nombreux pays d’Europe de l’ouest est également préoccupante. Parmi les problèmes constatés figurent les stéréotypes, la diffamation, les discours haineux, les actes de violence contre les personnes et les biens, le contrôle exercé par l’État sur les pratiques religieuses, l’exclusion de la religion de la sphère publique, les atteintes à la liberté de conscience et la mise en cause de l’éthique chrétienne traditionnelle et de la revendication de vérité. Pour y faire face, les chrétiens peuvent avoir recours à des approches descriptives, juridiques et spirituelles, telles que les procès, le lobbying, les campagnes politiques, les stratégies de coopération, la présentation argumentée de leurs positions, et les tentatives de façonner la culture.

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