Each state in Europe has its own national laws which affect religion and these are increasingly the subject of political and academic debate. This book provides a detailed comparative introduction to these laws with particular reference to the states of the European Union. A comparison of national laws on religion reveals profound similarities between them. From these emerge principles of law on religion common to the states of Europe and the book articulates these for the first time. It examines the constitutional postures of states towards religion, religious freedom, and discrimination,...

Law and religion, as a subdiscipline of law, has gained increasing attention in recent years. However, the complex relationship between law and religion cannot be fully understood with reference to legal research alone. This Research Handbook includes provocative chapters from experts on a range of concepts, perspectives and theories, drawing on a variety of disciplines, which can be used to further law and religion scholarship. Featuring chapters written by authors from a diverse range of backgrounds, the Handbook focuses on five main perspectives on law and religion: historical,...