The Right to Be Exempted on Religious Grounds in Icelandic Basic Education

A Case for Further Study

Bibliographic Data

ID3272823
AuthorsChristian Lomsdalen (0009-0001-2662-5848, University of Bergen, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume16
Issue3
Pages323
Publication date2025-03-04
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel16030323
OpenAlexW4408124773
LanguageEN
References cited17

This article examines Iceland's scheme for educational exemptions based on religion, life philosophies, or personal convictions, comparing it with the schemes used in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Despite curricular reforms promoting inclusivity, Christian favouritism persists in Icelandic schools, often embedded in traditions classified as cultural rather than religious. The requirement for "valid arguments" in Iceland's exemption process raises concerns over the law's ambiguity and potential conflict with human rights law, specifically, the European Court of Human Rights' emphasis on individual thought and conscience. This lack of clarity may deter parents and pupils from seeking exemptions and infringe upon privacy and religious freedom rights. The study underscores the need to refine exemption schemes to better protect individual rights while upholding educational integrity. It advocates for ongoing research into the right to be exempted in the Icelandic context

Icelandic · Linguistics · Political science · Right to education · Sociology · History · Law · Philosophy · Religion, Theology, and Education · Religious Education and Schools · Religious Freedom and Discrimination

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access