Messages from the European court of human rights on religion, secularism, tolerance and pluralism

Abstract

The European Court of Human Rights is arguably one of the most important human rights regimes in the world. Though rather slow to engage directly with issues of religion the Court has, in the last quarter century, evolved into an arena where some of the most challenging issues regarding religion are tackled. In the process the ECtHR has communicated powerful messages regarding tolerance and secularism. This contribution offers an exploration of the Court's case law through which such powerful messages have been communicated and in so doing provides insight into the Court's precarious navigation of the relationship between tolerance and secularism through its emphasis on the notion of pluralism.