Posted on 01/08/2006 8:09:52 PM PST by blam
Air crew ordered not to wear crucifixes on flights to Saudi
By Matt Barnwell
(Filed: 09/01/2006)
Air crew on the only British airline that flies to Saudi Arabia have been told not to wear crucifixes or St Christopher medals on flights there so as not to offend the country's Muslims.
Stewardesses at BMI have also been told to cover themselves in the long abaya robes that Saudi women have to wear in public before they disembark in the capital Riyadh. In some instances, they are also advised to wear a headscarf.
The airline insists that the rules are part of its "obligation" to "respect the customs" of Saudi Arabia, a strictly conservative Muslim kingdom.
However, one unnamed BMI employee told a Sunday newspaper: "It's outrageous that we must respect their beliefs but they're not prepared to respect ours". BMI are asking too much of their staff on this one.
"My gran gave me a crucifix shortly before she died and I wear it at all times. It's got massive sentimental value and I don't see why I have to remove it."
BMI is the only British carrier currently operating flights to Saudi. It began the service last September, offering three flights a week to Riyadh.
Phil Shepherd, the airline's spokesman, said any staff who did not wish to adhere to the requirements could transfer to short haul routes. There was no difference in salary, he added.
Mr Shepherd also denied a report that up to 40 BMI staff had complained and were planning to take the company to an employment tribunal, insisting that only "one or two" had raised it as an issue.
"There are certain sensitivities in operating in a country like Saudi Arabia," he said.
"We worked closely with the Foreign Office in finding the best way to manage it and as far as we are aware there is not a major problem. The channels are there for staff to discuss any concerns they have with their managers."
Piss on 'em! Let 'em be offended or take a camel!
Crucifixes always offend evil doers....just ask Satan, or Dracula, or (insert evil doer of choice)....
The policy was the same when going on liberty in Bahrain or UAE in the 90's for military personell. I imagine it is the same today. It's risky enough for westerners to be in the Middle East without provoking them. You might want to keep your head about you, so to speak.
When in Rome do as the Romans.
I don't see why the women should have to wear full traditional dress, maybe just a headscarf.
At least for protection from the sun anyway.
Some of those scarfs are quite decorative.
Omma stars and garters!!!!
You've said it all.................and so well!
Omma stars and garters!!!!
You've said it all.................and so well!
Newsflash: Just being British is more than enough reasons for them to bomb you....
Crucifixes ...
Why not on a long chain under the clothing?
sorry for the double post.............I guess I was laughing too hard
Might be wise to note that in Europe many Catholic churches will not allow a female to enter who is wearing shorts.
I guess they are claiming all of Saudi Arabia is a church.
Yep. Been going on for years.
http://www.jwa.org/discover/inthepast/infocus/military/airforce/stein.html
I live in an extremely liberal town (per capita, it makes the top 10 list for most liberal cities in the US). I wear a crucifix, along with a St. Joseph medallion, and also a Miraculous Mary medallion. But I rarely every bring it out over my shirt, since I know that it will lead to nothing but bad feelings toward me (and probably subtle discrimination).
Maybe we should all pray to the East 5 times a day in silent tribute, just so they don't get offended.
Why not on a long chain under the clothing?
While I understand your practical reasoning, I would still prefer a *large* cross, along with wolfbane, silver bullets, and a few wooden stakes for good measure if I had to tread across those lands.
My sister lived in Riyadh for a few years. They have (had?) great prices on gold in the souks there. One of the pieces she brought back for me was a small, 18 carat medallion of the sacred heart (which I still wear with my crucifix). She told me that Christian symbols could be found there if you knew where to look. =)
I've been told - in Boston - that I should cover up a cross because it might offend someone.
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