Sweden Muslim woman wins case
"A Swedish Muslim woman has won compensation after her job interview was ended when she refused a handshake.
Farah Alhajeh, 24, was applying for a job as an interpreter when she declined to shake the hand of a male interviewer for religious reasons.
She placed her hand over her heart in greeting instead.
The Swedish labour court ruled the company had discriminated against her and ordered it to pay 40,000 kronor ($4,350; £3,420) in compensation.
Some Muslims avoid physical contact with members of the opposite sex, except for those in their immediate family.
However handshakes are traditional in Europe. Additionally, anti-discrimination legislation may forbid companies and public bodies from treating people differently because of their gender.
Sweden's discrimination ombudsman's office, which represented 24-year-old Ms Alhajeh, said the judgement had taken into account "the employer's interests, the individual's right to bodily integrity, and the importance of the state to maintain protection for religious freedom". "
- BBC news, 16/08/18
All the best, Leia
Host of Gluten-Free Living | News | English Language
What do you non-Swedes think when you read this? It would be interesting to know if it differs from the Swedish commentary.
Best regards, Niklas 🎈
I think its right to respect other peoples cultures, refusing the girl the job because she was uncomfortable with handshaking seems wrong.
All the best, Leia
Host of Gluten-Free Living | News | English Language