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EU Court: Members Can Prohibit Headscarf, Other Symbols in Public Offices

EU Court: Members Can Prohibit Headscarf, Other Symbols in Public Offices
Image credit: Carl Court/Getty Images News via Getty Images (The Hague, Netherlands, March 15, 2017)

The Spin

Left narrative

The EU continues to target Muslims, and the ECJ’s latest ruling is yet another setback for the rights of Muslim women and girls. Citing "neutrality" as a "legitimate" aim, the EU’s top court greenlighted discrimination against Muslim women in a decision that will dissuade those of the Islamic faith from public service.

Right narrative

European countries have a right to maintain neutrality in their public offices, and groups don't have special privileges to defy established codes regarding dress codes. Countries such as France and Belgium have long-standing traditions of maintaining a neutral and secular environment in all public spaces, and can't modify values based on mass immigration or other trends.


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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0