The Western welfare state is usually presumed to be “neutral” and not involved in “personal” matters such as religion. The principle of neutrality which is based on the separation of church and... Show moreThe Western welfare state is usually presumed to be “neutral” and not involved in “personal” matters such as religion. The principle of neutrality which is based on the separation of church and State is often put to the test as a society becomes more religiously plural. Questions regarding the legal neutrality of the State came to the fore in a recent German Supreme Court case dealing with whether a teacher should be allowed to wear a headscarf in the classroom (Teacher with Headscarf case of 24 September 2003). This case poses questions about the nature of the contemporary German welfare state and whether it can maintain its neutrality when confronted with growing socio-religious pluralism. Show less
Veiling has been - and still is - the subject of much discussion in Europe, the Netherlands being no exception. Some argue that the veil counters women's rights. Others even see it as a provocative... Show moreVeiling has been - and still is - the subject of much discussion in Europe, the Netherlands being no exception. Some argue that the veil counters women's rights. Others even see it as a provocative gesture against European values. From a seemingly more practical point of view, the question of safety has also entered the debate on wearing headscarves, in particular during sports activities. Show less
