Religion, Equality and Employment in Europe - The Case for Reasonable Accommodation

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK'This book offers a comprehensive exploration of a traditionally neglected theme which is of great practical significance for the prosperous development of multi-religious societies. Alidadi presents an innovative combination of findings from different normative and empirical disciplines, particularly law and sociology, and offers critical contributions to central debates within legal theory, including on the meaning of State neutrality vis-A -vis religion, secularity, formal and substantive equality, diversity and multiculturalism ...a 'must' for everyone in the future dealing with issues of religious freedom, tolerance or discrimination in the workplace.'Heiner Bielefeldt, Professor of Human Rights and Human Rights Policy at the University of Erlangen and Former UN Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief'The workplace has become a site of tension for the relationship between religion and other claims of the liberal state, whether those be the rights of others or the economic imperatives of employers. Arguing for the introduction of the notion of 'reasonable accommodation' for the benefit of religious employees, she draws on a range of legal, theoretical and empirical sources to substantiate her claim that this is the best way for European countries to deal with the reality of religious pluralism. This work will become a significant reference point in this ongoing and important debate.'Carolyn Evans, Harrison Moore Professor of Law, Melbourne Law School'In this major work of scholarship, which adds substantial insights to the blossoming field of law and religion at a critical time, Katayoun Alidadi shows undeniable courage in unambiguously advancing the idea that only a radical openness to religious and ideological diversity will enable European societies to ensure a prosperous, sustainable and economically competitive future in an increasingly mobile and globalised world.'From the foreword by Marie-Claire Foblets, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology, Halle, Germany'...a timely, expansive, and tremendously important book which offers a smart, sophisticated examination of divisive issues. Alidadi presents her thought-provoking argument in a balanced and compelling fashion.... The case for reasonable accommodation may very well provoke opposition in the current socio-political European context. But there can be no doubt that this rich study will have an impact on any future academic discussion on the accommodation of religious diversity in the workplace.'Rik Torfs, Professor of Canon Law and University Chancellor Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium'Alidadi's work will rapidly emerge as the premier study of religion in the workplace. Drawing on extensive empirical and legal research, she provides a powerful analysis pointing to the crucial importance of reasonable accommodation as a vital solution not only in employment settings, but in the larger context of our increasingly diverse societies.'W. Cole Durham, Jr., Founding Director, International Center for Law and Religion Studies, Brigham Young University Law SchoolThe management of religious and ideological diversity remains a key challenge of our time - deeply entangled with debates about the nature of liberal democracy, equality, social cohesion, minorities and nationalism, security and foreign policy. This book explores this challenge at the level of the workplace in Europe. People do not surrender their religion of belief at the gates of their workplace, nor should they be required to do so. But what are the limits of accommodating religious belief in the workplace, particularly when it clashes with other fundamental rights and freedoms?Using a comparative and socio-legal approach that emphasises the practical role of human rights, anti-discrimination law and employment protection, this book argues for an enforceable right to reasonable accommodation on the grounds of religion and belief in the workplace in Europe. In so doing, it draws on the case law of Europe's two supranational courts, three country studies -Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK - as well as developments in the US and Canada. By offering the first book-length treatment of the issue, it will be of significance to academics, students, policy-makers, business leaders and anyone interested in a deeper understanding of the potentials and limits of European and Western inclusion, freedom and equality in a multicultural context.