Berlin Reviews ‘Neutrality Law’ Amid Debate on Teachers’ Right to Wear Hijab
Berlin Reviews ‘Neutrality Law’ Amid Debate on Teachers’ Right to Wear Hijab
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A detailed report published by the German newspaper Die Welt has shed light on the growing debate in Berlin over the city’s so-called “Neutrality Law,” particularly its controversial ban on wearing the hijab in educational institutions. In recent years, multiple court rulings have steadily undermined the scope of the ban.
According to Die Welt, Berlin’s coalition government — made up of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) — is now moving to amend the law. This comes after Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court ruled that imposing a blanket ban on hijabs for teachers is unconstitutional.
Under the proposed revisions, the ban would apply only if there is a “concrete threat” or a proven “disruption of peace within the school,” with each case to be assessed individually. The report highlighted criticism within Berlin’s state parliament. Green Party MP Tuba Bozkurt called the law “discriminatory,” emphasizing that “Berlin is a diverse city, and this diversity deserves to be visible.” She urged for a complete repeal of the law — a stance also backed by the Left Party.
Die Welt noted that the Greens are not satisfied with mere amendments but are actively pushing for the law’s total abolition to allow women to pursue careers — including teaching — without having to remove their hijab. “Muslim women who wear the hijab are part of society,” Bozkurt said. “This reality should be visible in our streets, schools, and public administration.”
The controversy dates back to 2005, when Berlin enacted the Neutrality Law, which prohibits state employees from wearing visible religious or ideological symbols. However, several legal challenges have chipped away at its enforceability. A landmark ruling by Germany’s Federal Labour Court in 2020 awarded compensation to a teacher who refused to remove her hijab.
Berlin’s government appealed the decision, but the Federal Constitutional Court rejected the challenge in 2023, paving the way for a comprehensive review of the law. Die Welt concluded that these developments may signal a major shift in Berlin’s approach to religious expression in public institutions. The debate has also expanded to whether women who wear the hijab should be allowed to serve in the police — an issue that remains politically and legally contested.
