ABSTRACT
The question of whether, and if so to what extent, manifestations of religious beliefs should be permitted in the European public sphere has become a salient and controversial topic in recent years across the European Union (EU). High- profile situations, causally attributed to the poor integration of immigrants, politicisation of religion, or distrust of the secular state have placed the issue onto the media, public and political agendas. However, despite the increasing interest, debates have rarely questioned the conventional wisdom that an increase in the range of security measures employed by governments inevitably leads to a decrease in the human rights enjoyed by individuals. Such axioms are a poor guide to public debate. A wealth of literature on the relationship between religion and society/law/political violence/terrorism/the European public sphere has emerged and evolved in recent years, adding to a coherent body of literature on religion and equality/non-discrimination/gender/politics/ education. However, authors have rarely questioned the relationship between state security regimes and religion as a distinct relationship in itself. This book thus presents an exploration of the actual philosophical, legal and empirical relationships between state security and religious freedom in Europe over the last two decades. The findings and arguments demonstrate the significance of understanding this relationship for policy makers and jurists seeking to protect religious freedom, carve space for religion in the public domain, and continue to engage in protection of a secular and secure state.
