Companies In The European Union May Ban Employees From Wearing Hijab

JAKARTA - The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) or the High Court of the European Union has given permission to companies in the region to ban the use of hijab for Muslim employees. The prohibition can be done under certain conditions.

One of the certain conditions is called the decision, for example maintaining the image of the company's neutrality towards customers. This ruling was published as a follow-up to the rejection of a lawsuit by two German Muslim women after being suspended for wearing the hijab by the company they worked for.

"The prohibition of wearing any visible expression of political, philosophical or religious belief in the workplace may justify the employer's need to present a neutral image to customers or prevent social strife," the CJEU said, quoted by DW.

When they first started working, the two German Muslim female employees did not wear a hijab. Then the two of them took maternity leave and chose to wear the hijab a few years after that leave. give birth.

When returning to work, the two Muslim employees were warned against wearing the hijab in the workplace. Both companies even threatened suspension.

Reuters presented court documents. The contents explained that the company asked the two employees to choose between doing different jobs or continuing to work on conditions without the hijab.

The CJEU considers the hijab issue to have divided EU countries for years. In the region, sharp differences in views about the life and rights of Muslims among the community are indeed strong.

So far, CJEU has been between two choices. The prohibition of wearing the hijab would violate religious freedom.

But there is an interest in companies that think religious symbols can restrict business. In 2017, the CJEU had decided on a similar policy.

Companies are allowed to prohibit their employees from wearing the hijab and other visible religious symbols under certain conditions. This sparked the anger of religious groups in Europe.

The Open Society Justice Initiative expressed concern over the European Union's decision. The group is part of the philanthropic organization Open Society Foundations founded by billionaire George Soros.

"The decision will likely continue to exclude many Muslim women, and those of other religious minorities from various jobs in Europe," Open Society Justice said in a statement.

*Read other information about INTERNATIONAL NEWS or read other interesting articles from Ramdan Febrian.