Belgium’s Public Service Minister Faces Backlash Over Headscarf Inquiry

"I fall off my chair when I read this," the minister reacts to La Libre. "My intention is to apply the government agreement and, to do so, I intend to start from the field, understand what is happening there to know what needs to be put in place in favor of neutrality. Isn’t it legitimate for a minister to want to grasp the reality on the ground? Especially since the reality is very different from one service to another."

Last January, the federal majority emphasized in its coalition agreement that every citizen "has the right to neutral and quality public services". Therefore, "the government, after analysis and consultation with key officials, will introduce a uniform or dress code" within administrations, the agreement concluded.

The possible introduction of a dress code by the government does not follow a field study concluding on neutrality problems in administrations. "This sentence about the uniform was included in the government declaration because the wearing of religious symbols is a question that comes up all the time in parliament," says the minister, hoping that this uniform would settle the question once and for all.

For now, reflections continue on the choice of dress code. The possible adoption of a dress code should allow updating the legislation, notably the Royal Decree of October 2, 1937, in its Article 8, which clearly stipulates that "when, in the context of his duties, he is in contact with the public, the State agent avoids any word, any attitude, any presentation that could be likely to undermine public confidence in his total neutrality, his competence or his dignity".

In application of this article, "the ostentatious wearing of religious, political or philosophical signs is prohibited for staff members in contact with the public," specifies the cabinet. And to continue: "The agent (including contractual staff) who, in the context of their duties, is in contact with the public (namely the "clients"), avoids any word, any attitude, any presentation that could be likely to undermine public confidence in their total neutrality, their competence or their dignity. In other words, the agent is required to respect the principles of neutrality and equal treatment when in contact with users. For back-office staff, it is up to the concerned administration to make a decision."