“The threat to women living under fundamentalist regimes that abuse their dignity and their rights is a serious and important question. Nonetheless, the resolution presented by Maria Izquierdo Rojo and adopted by the European Parliament does not tackle the question with the precision, respect and responsibility it deserves“. That is the view expressed by COMECE (the Commission representing the Episcopal Conferences of the European Union) in a statement issued immediately after the adoption by the EP of the resolution on women and fundamentalism on 13 March (cf. SirEurope no. 10/2002). “The fact that the resolution COMECE points out was passed by only two votes (242 in favour and 240 against) demonstrates that many MEPs share our view that the text in its final form is misguided”. COMECE recognizes that “each ideological system is subject to being exploited by fundamentalists and extremists, but Izquierdo Rojo’s resolution focuses almost exclusively on religious fundamentalism, underestimating the existence of other forms of fundamentalism”. In the view of COMECE, the resolution seems to take it for granted that “there is a conflict between religion and fundamental rights and liberties”, in spite of the commitment of the Churches and religious communities to the promotion of values that defend and protect human dignity. “The European Parliament adds the statement will not help women suffering under fundamentalist regimes by condemning religion and imposing secularization in its place, as the resolution seems to propose”.
