Gender equality and religious freedom in the 2030 Agenda: ten policy briefs

Abstract

Across Europe, criminal complaints against religious leaders for public statements on gender identity and sexual orientation are on the rise. Although the vast majority of these proceedings end in acquittal or dismissal, their proliferation reflects a structural tension between religious freedom and freedom of expression, on the one hand, and hate speech legislation, on the other. Relying on criminal law as the primary response to these conflicts carries significant risks. This policy brief recommends that public authorities: apply criminal law rigorously and only as a last resort; strengthen non-criminal mechanisms such as counter-speech, mediation and self-regulation; invest in human rights and diversity education; and create institutional spaces for interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Only through a comprehensive approach that harmonises all fundamental rights at stake — without sacrificing some in favour of others — can we advance towards more inclusive and cohesive societies.