The regional mosque umbrella organization (K7) partnership and the Monitor for Political Development (MPO) argue that the forthcoming headscarf ban for police officers in the Netherlands is a violation of European law.

The dress code is being adjusted by the Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (Justice and Security), based on the PVV movement adopted, so that wearing the headscarf (hijab), but also, for example yarmulke, is no longer allowed. The new directive will take effect from July 1. The basic idea is that this will radiate ‘neutrality’ by the government.

European law

Professor Tom Zwart, professor of cross-cultural law at Utrecht University and legal advisor to the partnership, said of the new directive: “European law obliges governments to allow headscarves. However, there are exceptions, if it can be shown that this is strictly necessary. This genuine need places a heavy burden of proof on the employer. Having an impression is not enough, you have to prove it. As long as this is not the case, every Muslim woman is free to wear the hijab while working. Also as a police officer.”

“Adding to existing directives is against European law and also promotes an uncomfortable situation, where a Muslim woman in a headscarf appears at work while the employer thinks this is not allowed,” the umbrella organization explained. “Besides that, it is also an obstacle for the police to attract new personnel that are urgently needed. Finally, the “neutrality argument” seems somewhat arbitrary. For example, headscarves are allowed in the police force in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, which are all secular countries.”

Sacrifice Feast

The umbrella organization also regrets that the ministry made this announcement precisely on Hari Raya Kurban, the peak of the Islamic year. “Overall, it looks like the minister is carrying out a rearguard action. Instead of dragging on, the ministry should have thought more about how the hijab could be integrated into the uniform. With the police, but also with the boas.”

The umbrella organization of the mosque has expressed a willingness to exchange ideas on models and modalities in the context of co-creation.

©Turkishmedia.nl – All rights reserved | TMC | Cover: AA | Published: 28-06-2023