Group Criticizes German Laws On Teachers Wearing Religious Garb

Human Rights Watch yesterday released an extensive report titled Discrimination in the Name of Neutrality-- Headscarf Bans for Teachers and Civil Servants in Germany. The Executive Summary describes the Report's conclusions:

After examining the laws and policies in the eight German states that restrict the wearing of religious symbols, and how they are applied in practice, Human Rights Watch has found that they contravene Germany’s international obligations to guarantee individuals the right to freedom of religion and equality before the law. These laws (either explicitly or in their application) discriminate against Muslim women, excluding them from teaching and other public sector employment on the basis of their faith.

Those states that ban religious clothing but still allow Christian symbols explicitly discriminate on the grounds of faith. In any event, in all eight states the ban is applied specifically against Muslim women who wear the headscarf.... The measures effectively force women to choose between their employment and the manifestation of their religious beliefs, violating their right to freedom of religion and equal treatment.

Jurist discusses the Report, as does Deutsche Welle.