EU court backs employer ban on hijabs

The European Court of Justice has today been criticised for defying the body autonomy of women by allowing employers to ban the headscarf on the grounds that employers are allowed to sustain internal policies stating that employees “dress neutrally”.

"Women are oppressed in Muslim countries but they get freedom in Europe"

*Muslim in Europe turns up to work in a Hijab* pic.twitter.com/Xn4FqQE6MK

— Organised_Chao5 (@Organised_Chao5) March 14, 2017

Many slammed the decision as a way to police the bodies of women.

Another law policing women over their choice of clothing supported by immoral, selifish bigots. We will defy this. https://t.co/14SJgJsMx9

— Yasmina (@animsche) March 14, 2017

This is me wearing a hijab because I'm not a close minded individual and I support all people's rights! This new EU law is disgusting pic.twitter.com/igCwEwMlXQ

— Shauna Jones (@Shauna_c_jones) March 14, 2017

Heartbreaking. Allow women to wear hijab, but don’t force it. Allow women to discard hijab, but don’t force it. Grant women choice. https://t.co/Dj8pbkHPA1

— Zurairi A.R. (@zurairi) March 14, 2017

Others focused on the growing “violations” on religious freedoms in Europe

https://twitter.com/hahellyer/status/841604354822045696

Jenny Brownlee made a point that it isn’t actually women in hijabs who cause the most problems in society.

@miqdaad women wearing hijab have never negatively affected me, men wearing suits caused a financial crisis. BAN THE SUIT.

— Jen (@Jenypi) March 14, 2017

A poll was released asking if this is a wider issue against Muslim women in the workplace

European Court of Justice says #Hijab ban is legal. Is this a move designed to drive Muslim women out of the workplace?

— DOAM (@doamuslims) March 14, 2017

Of course, examples of women wearing a headscarf and not letting it get in the way of their job were also used…

https://twitter.com/DavorJancic/status/841592019231375360

While many rejoiced.

Hijab & other forms of religious symbol CAN be banned by employers,
says ECJ. pic.twitter.com/TGhBi3vi1w

— 6uild 6ack 6etter (@leifisfine) March 14, 2017

One thing is clear, however. With the many waves of change happening within the wider European political climate, many are just looking at the events unfolding across the continent like…

via GIPHY