The recognition of religion in public spaces

In this chapter, I consider the ways in which religion is recognized in contemporary societies, and also to think how it should be recognized. I focus on just one aspect of this very large and complex topic – namely the recognition of religion specifically in public spaces. I ask if, and, if so, then to what extent, individuals and groups may reasonably expect to be able to manifest their religious identities in such spaces. I conclude that it is only by understanding what public space is like that we can draw any clear conclusions about the nature and extent of the rights which individuals should have to access and make use of that space.