EU Rules 'Workplace Hijab Ban' as Lawful

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The European Union (EU) Supreme Court has ruled that prohibiting employees from wearing hijabs in childcare centers and pharmaceutical retail stores is lawful.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on the 15th (local time) that employers can prohibit the wearing of hijabs in certain workplaces when necessary, according to reports by the British daily The Telegraph.

This ruling was made regarding two Muslim women working as employees at a special childcare center and as a cashier at a pharmaceutical retail store in Germany.

Both women were notified that they could be dismissed if they continued to wear hijabs at work. It is known that they did not wear hijabs when first employed but began wearing them after returning from parental leave.

The court stated, "It can be justified for employers to prohibit the visible expression of political, religious, or ideological beliefs in the workplace when there is a need to present a neutral image to customers and prevent social conflicts."

The Telegraph evaluated, "This ruling will set a precedent," adding, "It provides legal grounds for courts in the 27 EU countries to ban hijab wearing in the workplace."

The ECJ issued a similar ruling in March 2017. At that time, the court also ruled that regulations banning clothing perceived as religious symbols, such as hijabs, in certain workplaces were lawful.

It also ruled that if such bans are applied simultaneously to other religions, such as prohibiting Christians from wearing cross necklaces, there is no risk of direct discrimination.

The ruling immediately sparked backlash from the European Muslim community and others.

A representative of the 'EU Muslim Network' argued that this ruling could lead to the spread of Islamophobia in Europe. He criticized, "This is not only an attack targeting Muslim female workers but also a ruling that confirms the recent European trend of suppressing their religious expression."

The 'European Network Against Racism' also claimed, "Company policies banning religious symbols can instill racial or gender biases against Muslim women."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.