Montserrat Gas Aixendri, vice-dean of the UIC Barcelona Faculty of Law, participated in the congress organised by the International Consortium for Law and Religious Studies (ICLARS), which took place at Notre Dame University, Indiana (USA) from 21 to 23 October 

The paper presented by Dr Gas-Aixendri, professor of State Ecclesiastical Law, discussed the autonomy of religious institutions under state laws on gender equality. The professor developed the argument following several international court rulings on the subject. “In a context of cultural wars such as the one we are currently experiencing, discrimination cannot be eliminated simply by anti-discrimination legislation; good practice is also needed,” concluded the expert.

This paper is linked to a project funded by the Ministry of the Presidency on religious freedom and gender equality in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The project aims to analyse the various conflicts that occur in the area of religious freedom, gender equality and autonomy of religious denominations. As a result, it provides valid guidelines and criteria for the resolution of future conflicts.

The 7th Congress, organised by the International Consortium for Law and Religious Studies, was titled The Accommodation of Religion or Belief in the Public Sphere: Undeserved Privilege or Fundamental Right? was co-organised by the University of Notre Dame School of Law and Brigham Young University, and brought together over 400 experts from around the world.