Religion, Equality and Employment in Europe

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-Á -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 School