(Dutch News) Council street wardens, or BOAs, should have “a neutral image” and will not be allowed to wear any religious symbols from next year, justice minister David van Weel has said in a briefing to MPs.
The measure will “strengthen public faith in their neutrality and behaviour,” the VVD minister said.
Local councils currently have the right to allow council workers to wear religious symbols, such as headscarves, crosses and yarmulkes, and many do so to promote inclusivity.
The minister’s briefing coincided with a decision by The Hague city council to allow council workers to wear religious symbols, following in the footsteps of Amsterdam, Utrecht, Tilburg and Arnhem.
