Equal treatment and religion

This research project aims at exploring central aspects of the multi-facetted relationship between equal treatment and religion, a relationship which not only concern prohibition against discrimination on grounds of religion but also possible limitations of freedom of religion or belief claimed on basis of the principle of equal treatment (for instance gender equality).

The first part of the project includes an analysis of how discrimination on grounds of religion is dealt with in international human rights law and legal practice (including case law of the European Court of Human Rights, EU directives and Soft Law) and in Denmark (including legislative measures and cases of the Board of Equal Treatment).

Included in this part will also be a review of the question of legitimately limiting freedom of religion or belief on grounds of equal treatment in the context of international human rights law and legal practice.

The legal basis established in the project’s first part will provide the framework for the second part of the project, which takes point of departure in Danish religious communities as well as institutions founded on religious values (for instance many independent schools).

This part will analyse how from a perspective of religious values and traditions these communities and institutions view and handle issues related to equal treatment. Topical issues will be covered as case studies, including gender equality.