Between Rights Talk and Bible Speak: The Implementation of Equal Treatment Legislation in Orthodox Reformed Communities in The Netherlands

• Published in: Human rights quarterly Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 175 - 200
• Main Author: Oomen, Barbara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Baltimore The Johns Hopkins University Press 01.02.2011; Johns Hopkins University Press
• Subjects: Anthropology; Anthropology of law; Bible; Communities; Community; Courts; Cultural differences; Cultural factors; Cultural Pluralism; Dutch language; Equality; Female homosexuality; Females; Gays & lesbians; Gender equality; Homosexuality; Homosexuals; Human Rights; Law; Legislation; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Netherlands; Nongovernmental organizations; Orthodox Christians; Orthodox Church; Political parties; Politics; Public schools; Public sphere; Religious communities; Schools; Sociology; Women; Women's rights; Womens rights; South Africa; Netherlands
• ISSN: 0275-0392; 1085-794X; 1085-794X
• DOI: 10.1353/hrq.2011.0009

This article discusses the responses to a number of recent court cases concerning the equal treatment of women and homosexuals amongst Dutch orthodox reformed in the semi-public sphere (e.g. political parties, schools). In doing so, this article applies and refines legal anthropological theories on the realization of rights in a context of cultural and religious diversity. It also specifically addresses the responses to court cases launched "from the outside" in the context of a western country with a tradition of code law. These cases have an adverse effect on discussions of equal treatment within the communities concerned.