This book is to understand the European political debate about contentious issues framed in terms of religious values by religious and/or secular actors in 21st century, focusing specifically on the Italian case, which, due to its peculiar history and contemporary political landscape, is a paradigmatic case for the study of the relationships between religion and politics.

Introduction. 1. Religion, Secularism, and the Public Sphere 2. Religion and Politics in Italy 3. Methodology of Research 4. LGBT rights and same-sex unions 5. The beginning of life: Abortion and stem cells research 6. The end of life: Euthanasia 7. Religious instruction and religion in education 8. The mosque: An Exception to Religious Freedom? 9. The Muslim dress code 10. National Identity on the Cross 11. Framing the issues 12. Actors and coalitions. Conclusion: Culture Wars, Italy and Europe

Luca Ozzano, researcher at the University of Turin (Torino), Italy.

Alberta Giorgi, Lecturer, University of Coimbra, Portugal.