The offence of the cross

#985 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 26 Oct 2014.

Disputes over the right to wear religious symbols in the workplace continue to make headlines, and have prompted allegations of a bias against Christian symbols.

Former Qantas employee Georgina Sarikoudis claims the airline demanded she and others discard the religious symbols they wore, including “threats and ridicule” by Qantas managers.

She says by demanding such action the airline discriminated against the Christian faith.

“The Qantas uniform policy allows for head scarfs by Muslim females but no allowance for the wearing of crucifixes, religious bracelets or other religious … artefacts,” Mrs Sarikoudis said.

The dress code prohibits visible necklaces and bracelets, but accepts head scarfs for “cultural, religious and medical reasons.”

Some see the wearing of a visible cross as an expression of religious freedom and identity. Others see it as a diversion from more significant threats to religious freedom, such as freedom to express views on religious matters that others regard as offensive.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.