Equality and Discrimination

Abstract

Abstract This chapter examines Catholic Social Teaching (CST) on equality and discrimination in the workplace. CST holds that all human persons are equal in dignity. In principle, it rejects unjust discrimination, including where this takes place in the workplace. It has, though, been reticent about its support for anti-discrimination law. The chapter explores the sensitive relationship between CST and anti-discrimination by taking EU law as a case study. It probes three issues to understand better where divergence may arise between CST and secular law on discrimination. These are: (i) gender equality and the reconciliation of work and family life, (ii) the manifestation of religious beliefs in the workplace and in ethos-based organizations, (iii) LGBTQI+ rights. The chapter finds that there is considerable common ground between CST and EU anti-discrimination law. Much of the latter would be entirely in conformity with the rejection of discrimination found in contemporary CST. There are divergences on certain issues, especially in relation to the latitude for organizations with a religious ethos to depart from the ‘standard’ requirements of anti-discrimination law. Nevertheless, the chapter concludes that there are constructive contributions that can be derived from a critical engagement between CST and EU anti-discrimination law.