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.
"There are certain sensitivities in operating in a country like Saudi Arabia," he said.
To every one of you companies that are surrendering to this bullsh*t P.C. mentality, every single one of you should be ashamed of yourselves... And to all of you that are feeling so friggin' picked on because we are not respecting your load of crap "religion of peace"... Enjoy all the time you have in this life with your family and friends, it's probably the only one you'll have...
(Grin) You can probably pick up the box cutter at one of the open markets.
Just remember, 2 triangles=David, 2 Squares=Islam.
Issue the ladies guns. That way the religious police will learn to leave the western women alone.
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. ...The airline insists that the rules are part of its "obligation" to "respect the customs" of Saudi Arabia.
2016: Air crew on the only British airline that flies to Saudi Arabia have been told that female flight attendants will now be required to have their girly parts lopped off before entering Saudi air space. Upon leaving Saudi air space, they will be re-issued said girly parts along with a tube of crazy glue and two extra-strength Tylenol...The airline, which recently changed its name to AirDhimmi, insists that the rules are part of its "obligation" to "respect the customs" of Saudi Arabia.
Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia. Just a matter of time.
As soon as a plane leaves Saudi airspace, almost every Saudi woman heads for the lavatory and changes into Western attire. Then the opposite is true before their return flight reaches Saudi airspace.
As for the men, they mostly starting ordering alcohol and hitting on all the women.
As long as they don't expect us to adjust for them - oops we already are.
Huh? Ok, I'll bite...what are you talking about?
"As long as they don't expect us to adjust for them - oops we already are..."
adjust = grab our ankles
Let me know when you are headed over there to tell them how to run their country. Over here I agree with you, but show up there with a bible or a cross and you're in deep sh!!.
LOL!
eff the muslims.
No suprise. I remember Gulf War 1, when our military in Saudi were forbidden from any kind of Christmas displays, celebrations etc., and even told they could not sing Christmas carols, so as not to offend the very people they were over there defending.
Any mention of Christ or display of the cross is verboten in that part of the world, even if you are wearing a crisifix under your uniform. PC rules the day.
Liberals too.
My thoughts exactly.
Why dont we just bomb Saudi Arabia... neither crucifix nor cresent be worn by that time...
"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."
There you go. That's what I'd do before putting on one of those blankets. As for taking off my cross necklace, there's absolutely no way I'd do that.
bump
I don't understand why Christian groups in this country like the Christian Coalition, Moral Majority, etc, don't advocate a boycott on Saudi Arabia for this pc bs. We already boycott Aruba over the whole deal with Natalee Holoway.
Careful there, Johnson. Ya might get yer' head cut off. :o)
WOW!!! Wouldn't THAT be awesome!!!!!
My crucifix bothers you? Oh, I am terribly sorry, sir! I will take it off at once and put on my lucky ham.
"No one gets offended as easily as Muslims ... except maybe atheists."
Well put... I wonder what atheists think of Muslims? Is a Muslim God cool with them?
Is there any problem with wearing crosses in Iraq?
When I spent four months in the Saudi Arabia while in the Air Force, I bet the bastards didn't know we held Catholic Masses and Protestant services every Sunday on base. It was the highlight of my week, knowing I was worshipping Christ in their "kingdom."
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