The protection of minority rights is crucial to a democracy. Freedom of Religion is a fundamental freedom but it has come under increasing pressure with Muslim women facing particularly high scrutiny. With security concerns and secularism gaining prominence, will a space for religious freedom remain?
Canadian legal expert Ranjan Agarwal discusses the legal test for religious belief, whether “burka bans” can be legally justified, strategies for defending religious freedoms and whether freedom of religion is in danger of becoming a subordinate right.
Ranjan Agarwal is a partner at Bennett Jones law firm in Toronto. His practice is focused on complex disputes, including class action, commercial, arbitration, constitutional, and employment matters. Ranjan has appeared as lead or co-counsel in over 15 cases before the Supreme Court of Canada. Ranjan has been recognized by Lexpert, Benchmark, Precedent and Canadian Lawyer for his advocacy and commitment to pro bono and public interest litigation. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto.