Panel: DOES THE EUROPEAN RIGHT NEED RELIGION?



489.1 - "A WOMAN'S PLACE": RELIGION AND ANTI-GENDERISM ON THE POLITICAL RIGHT IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

AUTHORS:
Stoeckl K. (Libera Università Internazionale degliy Studi Sociali LUISS ~ Rome ~ Italy) , Bunnell A. (University of Washington ~ Washington ~ United States of America)
Text:
The 2024 European Elections have witnessed a notable rise in the influence of conservative and far-right parties within the European Parliament. Represented across four party groups—European People's Party, European Conservatives and Reformists, Patriots for Europe, and Europe of Sovereign Nations—these factions share a commitment to promoting a Christian identity for Europe. Despite this commonality, their religious allegiances, ideological orientations, and transnational alliances exhibit significant differences. This presentation explores the intersections of religion, anti-genderism, and political conservatism within these groups. Drawing on literature and data about the religious vote, evangelical political influence, and the interaction between religious movements and parties, we analyze the ways religion shapes their agendas. We also investigate areas of contention between these groups and the European Union, particularly on gender and sexuality issues. The presentation contributes to understanding the evolving role of religion in European politics and its impact on the ideological contours of the European Parliament.