This course will focus on the interplay between religious freedom and gender equality in different contexts. What is and what is not freedom of/from/in religion or belief? Is the protection of conscience objectors compatible with gender non-discrimination? Should employees be permitted to wear religious symbols and attire at the workplace? Can religious employers impose their ethos on employees? Should religious organizations tolerate believers and priests opposing their official doctrines on gender and sexual orientation? Are homophobic speech and harsh religious criticism permissible? And, of course, can the baker refuse to make a cake for a same-sex wedding? These are a few questions, among many others, that students will discuss during class based on international standards, recommendations, and guidelines, as well as jurisprudence of various national and supranational courts.

Students will also spend some time discussing domestic and international aspects of the politicization of religious freedom and gender equality, and touch upon strategies countering the politicization of human rights. At the end of the class, students will dedicate themselves to developing practical skills in gender-mainstreaming analysis and a non-clashing approach to the advancement of religious freedom and gender equality.

In addition to the final paper, students will be asked to provide a book review from the list of books offered by the professor.

Recommended for the following Professional Pathways: International Law/Human Rights; Civil Rights/Civil Liberties; Government/Public Sector; Law Through a Different Lens

2 Credits