MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the protection of children from being forced to wear larger religious symbols in nurseries and schools and on prohibiting the wearing of such symbols in the workplace

B9‑0170/2021

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the protection of children from being forced to wear larger religious symbols in nurseries and schools and on prohibiting the wearing of such symbols in the workplace

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Rule 143 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas, according to an opinion of the European Court of Justice, a ban on larger religious symbols in the workplace is permissible and does not constitute direct discrimination based on employees’ religion or beliefs;

B. whereas Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union prioritises children’s best interests;

C. whereas some parents encourage children and young people to wear a headscarf at school;

D. whereas the economic situation of businesses in the Member States is precarious;

1. Shares the assessment in the aforementioned opinion that prohibiting larger religious symbols in the workplace is permissible and does not constitute direct discrimination based on workers’ religion or beliefs;

2. Is concerned about potential economic drawbacks for companies whose workers wear larger religious symbols in the workplace;

3. Acknowledges that, according to an opinion of the European Court of Justice, wearing smaller religious symbols in the workplace is innocuous;

4. Calls on the Committee concerned to draw up a report on how to encourage the Member States to prohibit children and young people in nurseries and schools, as well as employees in both public institutions and private companies, from wearing larger religious symbols.