Abstract

For decades, the Italian Parliament has discussed a law on religious freedom that abolishes the fascist-era legislation on «permitted cults», without ever coming to a vote. Meanwhile, the religious scene in Italy has dramatically changed due to migration. Some faith communities have succeeded in obtaining an Agreement with the State in accordance with article 8 of the Constitution, while many others remain without legal recognition at the bottom of a «pyramid of rights». This hierarchy comes at a serious social cost that does not help and often impedes the processes of integration and social cohesion.