EU Court Upholds Ban on Headscarves for Public Employees

The European Union court has ruled that public authorities in member states can prohibit employees from wearing signs of religious belief, such as an Islamic head scarf, in the workplace. The case arose after an employee in Belgium was told she could not wear a head scarf at work, leading to a legal challenge on the grounds of religious freedom. The court stated that a policy of strict neutrality in the workplace can be justified by a legitimate aim, but measures must be limited to what is strictly necessary. The decision reflects the ongoing debate and division over the wearing of religious symbols in Europe.