(image: Warwick University, Humanities Building) Dear readers, We are delighted to share three new contributions to our connected learning community: Emma Wittens on the Belgian "Charity Bill" of 1857, Blue Vercauteren Trompet on the Belgian Abortion Act of 1990, and Lisa Gouellain on animal rights (in French, in keeping with our alliance's commitment to multilingualism). We will now take a summer break until 15 August. The virtual exhibition bringing together all our contributions- curated by Lewis Twiby (Warwick) - will be available after that date.
VUB CASE: Fundamental Rights vs. Conscientious Objections; Belgian Feminism, the Mini-Royal Question, and the Struggle for Abortion
1. Introduction 1.1. Context: Abortion, Feminism, and the Belgian Constitution of 1831 Belgium adopted one of the most liberal constitutions of its time in 1831, which subsequently served as a model for many other nations. The Belgian Constitution of 1831 forms the foundation of the democratic legal order in Belgium. It guarantees, among others, the freedom of expression (Art. 19), the freedom of association (Art. 27), and the right to peaceful assembly (Art. 26). These constitutional rights are not only fundamental guarantees but have historically functioned as crucial instruments for social change. One of the most compelling examples is the feminist movement in Belgium, which made full use of these rights. During the second half of the twentieth century, Belgian feminism evolved into a powerful societal force, focusing, among other issues, on the legalisation of abortion. This struggle was not solely about reproductive rights but also centred on bodily autonomy, gender equality, an...