By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News ServiceLONDON, ENGLAND (ANS) – British Airways is changing its uniform policy to allow all religious symbols, including crosses, to be worn openly. 

British Airways is changing its uniform policy to allow all religious symbols, including crosses, to be worn openly. According to a story on its website, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) says BA announced a review last year after a row erupted when Heathrow Airport check-in worker Nadia Eweida challenged a ban on her visibly wearing a cross necklace.

The BBC says the airline now says it will allow religious symbols such as lapel pins and “some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain.” Previously BA banned crosses on chains, but allowed hijabs and turbans.

The BBC report says “The airline argued these could be visible as part of uniform as they could not be worn underneath clothing. The distinction was condemned by bishops and a number of politicians.”

Ms Eweida, from Twickenham, London, who has been on unpaid leave since September because of her refusal to stop wearing her cross at work, welcomed the decision, the BBC reports.

“I will carry on working as I’ve always worked. My dignity has been restored. I’ve suffered for my faith,” she said.

The BBC reported the row sparked by Ms Eweida’s case attracted much media attention, with even British Prime Minister Tony Blair being drawn into the case. Asked at a conference by BA’s Martin Broughton how they should handle the issue, the prime minister advised them to “do the sensible thing.”

“The company has always argued it never intended to discriminate against Christians in its policy on jewelry, but was bound to follow anti-discrimination laws to the letter,” the BBC report stated.

The broadcasting company said that during the review, BA consulted staff and customers, examined the uniform policies of other organizations and canvassed the opinions of the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain.

British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh said: “Unintentionally, we have found ourselves at the center of one of the hottest social issues in current public debate.

“Most of those consulted felt that a lapel pin was an acceptable and reasonable option. For the majority of our staff, this was the preferred option.

“However, some respondents believed that limiting the change to a pin would not satisfy all Christians.

“Comparisons were made between the wearing of a cross around the neck and the wearing of hijabs, turbans and Sikh bracelets. For this reason, we have decided to allow some flexibility for individuals to wear a symbol of faith on a chain.”