Restrictions on Muslim Women’s Dress in the 28 EU Member States
Inclusion and pluralism are fundamental values in open societies and the European Union. It is better for everyone to live in a society that is open to diversity, including religious diversity. Yet, there is a rising threat in the European Union to these values—legislation enforcing what Muslim women can and cannot wear.
This fact sheet, which was adapted from a larger report, finds that nine out of 28 EU countries are enforcing a national and/or local ban on the headscarf or face veil, which puts an unfair restriction on Muslim women who are already facing higher levels of discrimination. The fact sheet also provides recommendations to policymakers across the European Union who hold the power to push back against the anti-Muslim rhetoric of the far-right and nationalist parties.
Restrictions on Muslim Women’s Dress in the 28 EU Member States
This report maps EU laws and pending legislation restricting religious dress—specifically the headscarf and face veil worn by Muslim women.
EU Top Court Fails to Guarantee Muslim Women’s Right to Wear a Headscarf at Work
The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that it is not direct discrimination on grounds of religion for an employer to bar workers from wearing religious clothing.
Headscarves and Discrimination before the Court of Justice of the European Union
The EU's top court will rule on whether an employer can refuse to allow a Muslim woman to wear a headscarf at her place of work.
