Work

The Harmonization between Religious Freedom and the Protection of Public Health: Betwixt Self-Regulation and Law

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The enshrinement of religious freedom in a State Constitution is determined by the system of relations between the State and Religions. A particular aspect of religious freedom is freedom of worship, which was reframed due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the adoption of measures for the protection of public health. The examples of Cyprus and Greece demonstrate that the self-regulation enjoyed by religious communities may be harmonized with the need to protect public health and is directly connected to the existing system of relations between the State and Religions. The case law on the State restrictive measures regarding worship in conjunction with the measures implemented by the religious communities themselves together give rise to the general principles of harmonization between religious freedom and the protection of public health, with respect for the principle of proportionality.

Source: Religions

DOI: 10.3390/rel15020208

Author: Ioannis E. Kastanas

Institution: University of Nicosia

Language: English

Topic: Religious Freedom and Discrimination

Subfield: Law

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,046