A major legal dispute in Germany has ended with a court ruling that a Muslim woman cannot serve as a judge while wearing a hijab in the courtroom.
A court in the state of Hesse upheld a rule banning visible religious symbols for judicial officials while they are performing their duties. The court said the restriction is meant to preserve the appearance of neutrality and impartiality in the justice system.
The woman argued that the rule violated her religious freedom and limited her professional opportunities. However, the court concluded that the state’s obligation to maintain a neutral courtroom outweighs an individual’s right to display religious symbols while serving in a judicial role.
The decision has sparked renewed debate across Germany about how to balance religious freedom with the principle of secularism in public institutions.
