At the driving school or on the day of the driver’s license test, the instructor/examiner asks me to remove my headscarf.
Is this allowed?
NO
- Religious freedom can only be restricted, in a proportionate manner, for legitimate reasons such as safety. In this case, wearing a headscarf does not pose a safety risk.
- The law of March 15, 2004 is not applicable in driving schools.
- Refusing access to the provision of goods or services based on religious affiliation is punishable under Articles 225-1 and 225-2 of the Penal Code.
In this situation, what should I do?
- Demand to be shown the regulations that justify the refusal I am facing;
- Demand that the refusal be notified and justified to me in writing;
- Contact the superior of the person discriminating (the director of the driving school if it’s an instructor, or the departmental territorial directorate if it’s an examiner);
- Contact Equitas who will provide support and legal assistance.