03/07/2026 15:00
- 19:30
HALL: Parenzo - A12
Chair:
D'Arienzo M.,
Ferrari A.
Contact:
Ivaldi M.C.
This panel explores the multifaceted interactions between sport and religion in the contemporary global arena, focusing on legal perspectives - particularly fundamental rights, equality, and non-discrimination - while embracing interdisciplinary approaches.
Traditionally, the principle of institutional neutrality towards religion, politics, and ideology has informed international sports law, including the Olympic legal framework, and has increasingly interacted with internationally recognized human rights standards. This principle, intended to safeguard inclusivity and equality, presents intricate challenges when religious identities and practices interact with sports governance and regulatory frameworks at both national and international levels.
Sport provides a unique setting for the expression and negotiation of religious identities, where beliefs may shape participation norms such as dress codes, dietary rules, days of rest, and gender roles. Historically, sport has also served as a tool for moral education, community-building, and religious communication, thereby frequently challenging strict interpretations of neutrality in contemporary pluralistic societies.
Contributions may address inter alia:
• religious approaches across different traditions (doctrines, sacred texts, and narratives);
• religious practices and accommodations (symbols, dress codes, dietary rules, and days of rest);
• religious identity and outreach through sport (encompassing belonging, proselytism, and faith-based competitions);
• normative tensions between religion and sport (equality, non-discrimination, hate speech on religious grounds, and the balancing of gender and sexuality claims).
By merging legal analysis and socio-cultural perspectives, the panel seeks to examine how neutrality in sports law interacts with religious diversity and identity claims, highlighting the tensions and accommodations emerging today.
