The relationship between Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and democracy : an exploratory analysis

Abstract

The 21st century is witnessing a global decline in the protection of religious freedom. The 21st century is also witnessing a rise in religiously motivated violence. Western liberal democracies are responding to this with tighter controls and management of religious groups and communities. This study explores the theoretical relationships between FoRB and democracy by constructing a philosophical and historical background and creating a theoretical framework for the understanding of individual rights encompassing a liberal democracy. By attempting to trace the development of the idea of individual rights, a tripartite relationship between liberal democracy, individual rights and ultimately the right to Freedom or Religion or belief becomes clear throughout the study. These relationships also indicate that the world is experiencing not only a decline in the protection of FoRB, but also a retreat in liberal democracy.