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Airline can order employee to cover cross necklace, British court rules
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.- A British Airways employee who sued her employer after it required her to cover up a cross necklace while she worked has lost her religious discrimination lawsuit, WorldNetDaily reports. Nadia Eweida, a check-in worker at Heathrow Airport and a Coptic Christian, was sent home after refusing to remove the cross necklace. British Airways said the necklace was a violation of the company’s dress code. Eweida charged her employer with religious discrimination, saying that the company allowed religious employees like those adhering to Islam or Hinduism to wear faith-related clothing, jewelry, religious markings, or other items. The Reading Employment Tribunal had previously ruled against Eweida, but she appealed the decision. The 56-year-old Eweida, who was placed on unpaid leave, reacted to the ruling, saying, “I'm very disappointed. I'm speechless really because I went to the tribunal to seek justice. But the judge has given way for BA to have a victory on imposing their will on all their staff.” Eweida was represented by an attorney from the Alliance Defense Fund. Chief Counsel Benjamin Bull issued a statement responding to the decision. "Christian employees should not be singled out for discrimination. This decision will be appealed," he said. "According to British Airways, it's OK for employees to wear a symbol of their faith unless it's a Christian cross. The airline took no action against employees of other religions who wore jewelry or symbols of their religion. That type of intolerance is inconsistent with the values of civilized communities around the world." The court ruled that the airline can prohibit Eweida from visibly wearing the cross. It held that other types of religious symbols, such as turbans, bangles, and other religious markings, are acceptable because they cannot be concealed. In a statement, British Airways said: "We have always maintained that our uniform policy did not discriminate against Christians, and we are pleased that the tribunal's decision supports our position. "Our current policy allows symbols of faith to be worn openly and has been developed with multi-faith groups and our staff.” British Airways noted Eweida’s eight years of employment with the company, saying she “continues to be a valued member of our staff.” Subscriber comments:
Published by: Donovan Hill
Vancouver, B.C., Canada 02/17/2008 02:47 AM EST
Perhaps as Christians we should all go get tattoos of a cross on our cheek so that it cannot be hidden....
Okay, I know, Knee-jerk reaction, but the rampant latent discrimination against christians just irks me. All the while we are supposed to be "multi-cultural" amd accepting of all religious (and non-religious) cultures. I guess in the new multi-cultural society, some cultures are more acceptable than others.
Published by: Linda
Brantford, Ontario, Canada 01/11/2008 07:26 PM EST
"Our current policy allows symbols of faith to be worn openly..." What??? Shouldn't that read "...allows symbols of faith EXCEPT CHRISTIAN to be worn openly..." How can a cross be concealed and worn openly at the same time? Did I miss something here?
People of faith are not able even to shame corporations into fairness anymore. I don't think the persecution is coming; I believe it's already here, just not too consistent yet. Well, with persecution comes a strong Church, so I suppose we should be thanking God for the opportunity British Airways and other corporations, along with the courts, are giving us to grow.
Published by: John Campbell
Scottsdale, AZ, USA 01/11/2008 04:05 PM EST
'Eweida was represented by an attorney from the Alliance Defense Fund.'
Thanks to Nadia Eweida her for expressing her faith with courage and wisdom. Please give voice to your Faith also by contributing to the Alliance Defence Fund. Personally, I do so on a monthly basis. This case is illustative of our Brave New World where it is now open season on Christians. The Alliance Defence fund serves and empowers the interests of ALL Christians who want their beliefs respected just as they respect those of other Faiths. May God Bless Nadia and ADF in their battle for religious equality. ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):
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