Date: 21st November 2006
Released by: ANDREW TURNER

British Airways has come in for criticism on the Island for banning an employee from wearing a cross on a necklace at work.  Nadia Eweida, a British Airways employee, has lost her fight to openly wear a cross at work at Heathrow Airport after it was described as a ‘religious symbol’ which could give offence.  The decision has come after months of unpaid leave Ms Eweida has taken in protest at British Airways’ strict stance on small religious symbols.

Island MP Andrew Turner commented,

“It is completely ludicrous that in a Christian country a small and subtle declaration of Christianity can be banned by an organisation which claims to British. A restrained declaration of one’s faith surely cannot be deemed offensive in a tolerant, multicultural society. This stance is particularly odd considering other workers are allowed to wear headscarves and turbans, which are a clear representation of ones religious beliefs.”

“It is a sad state of affairs when one can no longer wear a modest pendant that symbolises a religion that has been at the heart of this nation for fifteen hundred years. BA should reconsider their policy on uniform to make it easier for people who simply want to confess their faith discreetly to do their job without fear of persecution.

“This kind of behaviour will make many people think twice about flying BA.”