A British Airways check-in clerk who was suspended for refusing to conceal a small crucifix on a necklace at her post at Heathrow Airport has accused her employers of having a "culture of hostility" to Christianity at an employment tribunal.
When Nadia Eweida was suspended, without pay, in September 2006, she claimed it was her human right to express her faith by having the crucifix on display. She returned to work this February after BA revised its uniform policy.
The case caused a storm and prompted criticism from then prime minister Tony Blair who told British Airways that its attempts to stop staff wearing the crucifix was a waste of energy.
Eweida is claiming discrimination on the grounds of her religion and is seeking £20,000 in back pay and compensation from the airline.
In a statement read to the tribunal hearing, she said: "No other minority group would be treated like I was. The atmosphere in British Airways is one of hostility/suppression of Christianity and Judeo-Christian morality. No other religious group (except the Jews) would suffer as I have done for the wearing of a small cross."
The case continues in Reading.
COMMENTS
When dealing with cases of religion, it should be remembered that belief in a God or Gods is no more than that. No evidence at all exists of a supreme being or creator. Our ancestors had strong beliefs in various deities, as valid as those of Christians, Jews and Muslims today, but a Zeus worshipper today would be mocked for his or her outdated ideas, despite the strong resemblance of the Christian/Judaism God currently worshipped.
Common sense should prevail. Is work an appropriate place to demonstrate faith by wearing of jewellery? The wearing of religious symbols could alienate people not of that faith and that should be respected.
Consider:
With the number of people who put "Jedi" as their religion on the Census, the way is paved for any of them to attend work dressed as Luke Skywalker or to carry a symbolic light sabre. An employer would feel empowered to discipline/suspend them yet they express their own beliefs in Jediism (if that is a correct term). Brave enough to challenge them on that?
Keith Lawson
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