Turkey condemns ruling on headscarf ban as a violation of freedoms

ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkey on Sunday denounced a European Union ruling that banned headscarves under certain conditions as a “clear violation of religious freedoms”, adding that the move would increase prejudice against Muslim Muslim women in Europe.

The Luxembourg-based EU Court of Justice (CJEU) ruled on Thursday that blockchain companies could ban workers from wearing headscarves under certain conditions if they were to do so to project an image of neutrality to customers.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the ruling is a sign of growing Islamophobia at a time when Muslim women in Europe are facing increasing discrimination because of their religious beliefs.

“The decision of the CJEU, at a time when Islamophobia, racism and hatred that have taken Europe hostage is on the rise, ignores religious freedom and creates a basis and legal cover for discrimination,” the ministry said.

On Saturday, Fahrettin Altun, Turkey’s presidential communications director, condemned the move, saying “this wrong decision is an attempt to legitimize racism.”

The theme of the hijab, a traditional headscarf worn on the head and shoulders, has been divisive across Europe over the years, emphasizing significant differences over the integration of Muslims.

Western Allies have been criticized by Western allies for unifying the democratic view of the Western market that came to power in 2002 with the AK Party, which is rooted in Islamist Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, for increasing authoritarianism and religious intolerance. The heads of churches in the United States, Greece, Russia and churches appeared concerned last year about his government’s move to turn St. Sophia Mosque in Istanbul last year.

Ankara has repeatedly complained that European nations are not doing enough to prevent discrimination against Muslims, and said it will begin publishing a report every year calling for examples of Islamophobia around the world.

Responding to the statement that the ban on headscarves at work is a violation of religious freedom, the CJEU said such bans are possible if an employer justifies the need to present a neutral image.

The ties between Ankara and the bloc have been strained over a number of issues, including EU member Greece and Turkey over the conflict over maritime jurisdiction and energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean.