Religious symbols in the workplace must be respected: clear message from the ECHR

Commenting on the decision of the European Court of Human Rights on the Eweida vs. BA cross case, Jan Olbrycht MEP, EPP Group Vice-Chairman responsible for interreligious and intercultural relations, said:

"Everybody in Europe has the right to freely manifest his/her religion. It is one of the basic fundamental rights of the European Union. Wearing religious clothing and symbols is part of this right and an essential part of the identity of believers. This must be protected and maintained."

"I welcome the decision of the European Court of Human Rights which states that employers can only impose restrictions on employees with regard to wearing religious clothing and symbols in the workplace only under exceptional circumstances, like, for instance, for health and safety reasons", underlined Jan Olbrycht MEP.

"This is a significant ruling in the fight for ensuring religious people's rights to manifest their beliefs. Employers should respect this decision and Member States who lack appropriate protection of such rights should modify their respective legal order accordingly", concluded Jan Olbrycht MEP.