13 December 2010

French court rules against hijab wearer

A French court has ruled against a woman who sued a private child-care centre that fired her for wearing an Islamic headscarf and cloak to work.

The case has become a symbol of the debate over religious freedom in France.

The Babyloup nursery, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is located in a poor housing project in the town of Chanteloup-les-Vignes, northwest of Paris.

.... "Our statutes require us to observe religious neutrality," said Baleato. "People who work with children here all wear a uniform, a smock. Her clothing made it impossible for her to wear the uniform." [Associated Press] Read more