The management of religious and ideological diversity remains a key challenge of our time – deeply entangled with debates about the nature of liberal democracy, equality, social cohesion, minorities and nationalism, security and foreign policy. This book explores this challenge at the level of the workplace in Europe. People do not surrender their religion of belief at the gates of their workplace, nor should they be required to do so. But what are the limits of accommodating religious belief in the workplace, particularly when it clashes with other fundamental rights and freedoms? Using a comparative and socio-legal approach that emphasises the practical role of human rights, anti-discrimination law and employment protection, this book argues for an enforceable right to reasonable accommodation on the grounds of religion and belief in the workplace in Europe. In so doing, it draws on the case law of Europe's two supranational courts, three country studies –Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK – as well as developments in the US and Canada. By offering the first book-length treatment of the issue, it will be of significance to academics, students, policy-makers, business leaders and anyone interested in a deeper understanding of the potentials and limits of European and Western inclusion, freedom and equality in a multicultural context. Awarded an honourable mention from the International Academy of Comparative Law for the 2018 Canada Prize!

The diverse population in England has raised questions about individual and group rights, and how the political and legal system should view diversity. This book sets out and analyses these issues within their legal context, including the 1998 Human Rights Act, the EC Equality Directives, and the UK Equality Bill.

Seminar paper from the year 2006 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Topic: Public International Law and Human Rights, grade: A-, Ryerson University, course: Diversity and Equity in the Public Sector, language: English, abstract: The German Anti-Discrimination Law of 2006 -A small Step?- ABSTRACT German parliament has passed a General Equal Treatment Act in 2006, and the implementation, ensued by controversial discussion, was mainly settled on because of pressure from the European Court of Justice. Generally, the law is intended to largely circumvent or abolish discrimination in most areas of public life. This paper is assessing the Act in the national, and international - mainly EU - context, as well as the main arguments of both proponents and opponents. It finds that most reasons against the Act can be refuted by arguments brought forward by proponents. In addition, the functionality of the Act is discussed, and some problems and backlashes are discovered, while the law itself is found to reveal gaps in terms of the scope of the legislation as well as the characteristics of discrimination. The Act is criticized as it mainly offers correctional measures against discrimination with hindsight, while being less likely to avert discrimination in the first place. The legislation is found to have potential to shift the common consciousness to acknowledging diversity as a motor for societal and economic progress, and, as it recognizes that discrimination is a systemic rather than an individual problem in Germany, it might render as a building block to fight discrimination and exclusion. However, despite the fact that the German legislation is more concise than the EU guideline, it is shown that the legal framework is only a first small step toward equal and fair treatment in Germany. The paper argues that protection against discrimination is a structural principle of human rights beyond formal equality, that cannot be secured by the Act alone, but

Provides a dynamic picture of recent trends over the last four years regarding discrimination in employment and occupation. Presents some findings, conclusions and recommendations for future action by the ILO and its constituents. Shows that discrimination continues to be persistent and multifaceted. Provides an update of the various policy and practical responses, with the aim of mobilizing greater support for the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Discussed is the progress of the non-discrimination policy of the European Union, the future policy and the enlargement of the EU and the implementation of the legal framework are described.

This book traces the evolution of EU employment law and social policy from the Treaty of Rome through to the emerging themes post-Amsterdam.