ECHR Rejects Turban Case

ECHR was evaluating the case of Leyla Sahin, a student wearing the Islamic headgear and decided to reject the Turban Case for Turkish universities. ECHR pointed out that; Religious symbols might put pressure on the other students, and universities can restrict the freedom of displaying religious believes. According to the ECHR judges, the prohibition of turban does not impose any restriction on the freedom of religion and conscience.

The second article of the first protocol of the ECHR guarantees the education right.

The judges decided that; if a student chooses to attend a secular university, she/ he accept the rules of that university. The students can go to alternative universities. ECHR pointed out that there is no turban prohibition in theology faculties.

In the motion, the reasons for refusing the turban case, included: Displaying a religious symbol without any place or shape restriction, might cause pressure on the students who do not want to practice that religion or on the students from other religions.

The regulations of the universities can restrict the place or the shape of the display the religious symbols, in favor of the unity of the students from other religions.

The last decision of the ECHR about this subject is important in Europe, also. The climate after September 11, the prohibition of the turban in Germany, France and Belgium will be influenced by this decision.