EU Court Allows Ban on Religious Symbols in the Workplace

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled that public authorities in EU member states can prohibit employees from wearing signs of religious belief, such as a head scarf worn by Muslim women. The CJEU stated that a policy of strict neutrality can be justified to establish a neutral administrative environment, but it must be pursued consistently and systematically. The issue of hijab has been divisive in Europe, with France banning Muslim women from wearing it. The United Nations has criticized such bans, stating that they infringe on freedom of faith and can have harmful consequences.