Embracing Religious Liberty In A Uniform Manner

There was the case of the South African oranges, back in the time of apartheid. The checkers at Dunnes Stores in Ireland wouldn't check them out, and discouraged the customers from buying. A boycott was on, to urge South Africa to recognize the rights of the black population.

One thing led to another, the checkers went on strike, and eventually Dunnes Stores stopped carrying South African oranges.

Now the iconic Irish shop has a new problem, but religious freedom is a far more sensitive issue than buying fruit.

The average Dunnes Stores employee is accustomed to wearing a uniform. It's required of schoolchildren, and when you've spent your formative years in the same outfit, day in and day out, wearing a uniform at work isn't much different.

Loreta Tavoraite didn't grow up in Ireland, but in Lithuania, so the whole uniform business is probably new to her.

She didn't grow up as a Muslim, either, so wearing a hijab is also a novelty.

Here's where the cultures clash. Ms. Tavoraite insists that she must wear the hijab because now she's embraced Islam, but there's no hijab in the Dunnes Stores uniform. Dunnes Stores told her she had to stick with the required apparel, she didn't go along with the program, and was not allowed on the shop floor.

Out of uniform, you see. Everyone working at Dunnes Stores must look alike. How else will the customers know who to approach if they need assistance?

Well, there she was, unable to work because she wasn't in uniform. So by not working, she lost her job.

What else does anyone do, with the entire world influenced by American culture and their Bill of Rights?

Ms. Tavoraite has sued for unlawful termination. It isn't her fault that she switched religions in mid-stream. It's the fault of Dunnes Stores for not recognizing her religious dictates.

That's the problem with this global economy we live in. Everyone seems to think that they have rights in Europe that are in reality an American invention.

Dunnes Stores is against introducing changes to their clothing code because it will open the door to apparel chaos. The next thing you know, the Wiccans will be making their demands, and who knows what the Santerians will be asking for. It simply won't do.

In all likelihood, someone will come up with a hijab that will be added to the acceptable uniform, perhaps a headscarf that is color coordinated to the already regulated blouse.

Then someone else will show up with a Bible and commence to proselytize. It's a requirement of the Catholic faith, isn't it? To go forth and spread the word?