Title: Respect, Religion, and Feminism: Political Liberalism as Feminist Liberalism?

Abstract: This chapter considers whether political liberalism, specifically, can be used for feminist ends. There is significant disagreement among feminists and liberals about the compatibility between their two doctrines. Political liberalism is vulnerable to particular criticism from feminists, who argue that its restricted form of equality is insufficient. In contrast, Lori Watson and Christie Hartley argue that political liberalism can and must be feminist. This chapter raises three areas of disagreement with Watson and Hartley’s incisive account of feminist political liberalism. First, the chapter argues that an appeal to a comprehensive doctrine can be compatible with respecting others, if that appeal is to the value of equality. Second, the chapter takes issue with Watson and Hartley’s defence of religious exemptions to equality law. Third, the chapter argues that political liberalism can be compatible with feminism, but that it is not itself adequately feminist. The chapter concludes that political liberalism is not enough for feminists.