Berlin Greens Push to Abolish Headscarf Ban in Public Service

The Greens in Berlin propose scrapping the neutrality law to allow headscarves in public service roles.

The Berlin Greens have tabled a parliamentary motion to repeal the city’s neutrality law, which since 2005 has banned public sector employees from wearing visible religious symbols, such as headscarves. The move, announced on April 25, 2025, challenges the principle of state neutrality and has reignited debates over diversity, discrimination, and religious freedom in Germany’s public sector.

Challenging the Neutrality Law

Berlin’s neutrality law prohibits public servants—including teachers, judges, police officers, and prison staff—from displaying religious symbols while on duty. The Greens argue that this restriction unfairly excludes qualified women, particularly those who wear headscarves, from public sector jobs. Tuba Bozkurt, the Greens’ spokesperson on anti-discrimination, stated, “Highly qualified women are barred from practicing their profession because they wear a headscarf,” highlighting what the party sees as an obstacle to diversity.

The Greens’ motion seeks to abolish the law entirely, arguing that it discriminates against religious minorities and undermines inclusivity in Berlin’s workforce.

A History of Legal Challenges

The neutrality law has faced scrutiny before. In 2015, Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court ruled that blanket bans on headscarves could only be justified if they posed a “threat to school peace,” loosening restrictions in some cases. Despite this, Berlin maintained strict enforcement until 2023, when a Federal Labor Court decision ordered the city to pay over €5,000 to a headscarf-wearing teacher dismissed under the law. Following the ruling, a circular advised against systematic enforcement, but the Greens insist that only full repeal will suffice.

The debate stems from a 2003 Constitutional Court ruling that allowed German states (Länder) to regulate religious symbols in schools to uphold neutrality and cohesion in public services. The current CDU-SPD coalition in Berlin has hinted at amending the law to align with recent court rulings, signaling potential shifts in policy.

Neutrality vs. Diversity

At the heart of the controversy is the balance between state neutrality and individual religious expression. Supporters of the neutrality law argue it ensures impartiality in public institutions, preventing any perception of religious bias. Critics, including the Greens, contend that the ban disproportionately affects Muslim women, limiting their career opportunities and reinforcing exclusion.

The proposal has sparked polarized reactions. Some view it as a step toward inclusivity, while others warn it could erode the secular principles underpinning Germany’s public sector. The outcome of the Greens’ motion could set a precedent for other German states grappling with similar issues.

Why This Matters

The push to repeal Berlin’s neutrality law reflects broader tensions in Europe over integrating religious diversity into public life. As Germany navigates its multicultural identity, the debate over headscarves in public service touches on issues of equality, discrimination, and the role of religion in state institutions. The Greens’ initiative could reshape Berlin’s public sector and influence national conversations on religious freedom.

Key Takeaways

• Berlin’s Greens propose abolishing the 2005 neutrality law banning religious symbols in public service.
• The law is criticized for excluding headscarf-wearing women from public sector jobs.
• Legal challenges since 2015 have weakened the law, with a 2023 ruling prompting partial relaxation.
• The debate highlights tensions between state neutrality and religious diversity.

Stay informed: Follow updates on Germany’s religious freedom policies and public sector reforms.

Sources: Berlin Greens’ parliamentary motion, Federal Constitutional Court rulings, Federal Labor Court decision.