Cross and Headscarf

The Protestant Church in Germany has phrased a clear message: Muslim teachers, it says, are not suited to working in German schools if they insist on wearing a headscarf during class. It is a courageous and unequivocal position.

Believers' point of view that the state and its officials should “maintain neutrality in questions of religious belief“ is highly credible precisely because it accepts the risk that their own symbols, too, may disappear entirely from schools and public offices - right up to the cross on a necklace. The Protestant Church did somewhat water down its statement by combining its rejection of headscarves in schools with the advice that the state's obligation to remain neutral on religious questions does not “preclude, but merely limits, outward displays of religious conviction on the part of civil servants.“

The headscarf belongs on the other side of such a limit. It not only stands all too clearly for an interpretation of a religion that is abused as an excuse for violence and terror by some of its proponents, but it also casts doubt on the democratic attitude of its wearers.

Equality of the sexes is one of Germany's fundamental values and it has to be taught to pupils, by teachers who are convinced of what they teach. Those who insist on wearing a symbol in class that harbors at least some ambiguity with regard to equality, tolerance and freedom should not be allowed in this job.