Case against the Cross

As you may have noticed, I've had some time to catch up on some news and assorted blog reading.

Check out this story on SFGate:

Back to that unusual intersection where corporate illogic, human rights and multicultural values all meet: After appealing to her British Airways bosses the company's rule that prohibited her from visibly wearing a Christian-cross necklace, check-in agent Nadia Eweida still will not be permitted to wear her religious-themed jewelry in a manner that allows it to be seen by her customers and co-workers at London's Heathrow airport. (BBC)

Eweida displays her "offensive" necklace
Eweida has been away from her job in recent weeks while BA's corporate honchos have considered her appeal. Eweida said "she was effectively 'forced' to take unpaid leave after refusing to conceal the [cross-]symbol" jewelry.

A statement from the company indicated that BA staffers are not forbidden from wearing Christian-cross jewelry. It added that the company's policy is that "personal items of jewelry, including crosses, may be worn - but underneath [a] uniform. Other airlines have the same policy....[I]t is not practical for some religious symbols - such as turbans and hijabs - to be worn underneath [a] uniform. This is purely a question of practicality. There is no discrimination between faiths."

(link)

This is another ludicrous example of over-zealous, nit-picky airport rules and regulations designed to make our travel experience "safe and convenient".