Religious symbols and the CJEU
This week, the vexed issue of hijabs in the workplace surfaced yet again when Advocate General Rantos issued his Opinions in two challenges to bans on employees wearing the niqab when in contact with the public: WABE Case C-804/18 and MH Müller Handel Case C-341/19. He takes the view that the prohibition by a private undertaking on employees wearing visible signs of political, philosophical or religious beliefs in the workplace does not constitute direct discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief in respect of employees who follow certain clothing rules. However, he also takes the view that such a policy is not incompatible with employees wearing discreet religious symbols that are not noticeable at first glance. Continue reading