Netherlands allows police officers to wear headscarves

A new ruling in the Netherlands will allow policewomen serving in certain positions to wear headscarves.

The Human Rights Council ruling came Monday over a complaint by Sarah Izat, 26, a police officer who wore a headscarf, after she was dismissed over violating the dress code.

The Dutch National Police had claimed that religious symbols are incompatible with police uniforms both to ensure neutrality and the officers’ safety.

But the council said Izat was mainly answering emergency calls in the police department where there was limited contact with the public.

The council’s decision is non-binding, but the police will probably abide by it, as previously its chief said that they were open to allowing officers to wear headscarves.

"We Won! The Council confirms just: I have the right to wear uniform and headscarf. This means everything and this is a victory for all of us!" Izat wrote on her Twitter account.