This conference convenes scholars in constitutional studies, political theory and political sociology to discuss the emerging phenomenon of 'Constitutional Intolerance': the use of constitutions and constitutional repertoire to further intolerant political attitudes in European constitutional states.

Through constitutional amendments, revisions, as well as dynamic interpretation of constitutional and quasi-constitutional concepts, states may seek to leverage the power of the law to settle politically controversial issues. These may include, for example, the freedom of religious and ethno-religious minorities, as well as LGBT+ rights: issues that have taken centre-stage in the deepening political polarisation in (and beyond) Europe. 

This conference explores processes through which constitutions and constitutional repertoire facilitate intolerant attitudes and aims, the extent to which constitutional intolerance might be institutionalised, how underlying socio-political attitudes to constitutionalism enable these processes, and what the normative significance is of the rise of Constitutional Intolerance. Specialist and generalist papers, from legal, political and sociological scholars, are welcomed. For full details of the preferred themes of paper submissions, please consult the full call for papers. 

Please send your proposed title, short abstract and biography to marietta.vandertol@bsg.ox.ac.uk by 15 January 2023. Decisions will be released by the end of January. Conference briefs of ca 4.000 words are due by 1 April 2023. The convenors intend to put together an edited volume after the conference. All submissions and papers should contain original work that has not been committed elsewhere. 

This conference is hosted by the Alfred Landecker Programme at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford. Funded by the Alfred Landecker Foundation, the Programme seeks to generate academic conversations about the future of the protection of minorities in Europe. The conference is co-sponsored by the Radboud University of Nijmegen.