The European Union’s top court has ruled that employers can bar workers from wearing religious symbols in the workplace. The judgement handed down by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) states that internal company rules can be shaped so as to require ‘neutral dress’ on the part of employees. The case was centred on the experiences two women, Asma Bougnaoui in France and Samira Achbita Belgium who were fired by their companies in relation to the wearing of Muslim headscarves. However, the ruling means that a Christian employee can now be barred from wearing, for example, a cross necklace or lapel pin on the grounds of neutrality. Reacting to the judgement, Adina Portaru, Legal Counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom International said: “Nobody should be forced to choose between their religion and their profession. A court claiming to be a champion of human rights should safeguard the fundamental right to freedom of conscience, religion, and belief rather than undermining it. Citizens’ deeply held convictions should be reasonably accommodated by their employers.”