Should we be like France and outlaw all symbols of your religion in the work place?

France has outlawed wearing of crosses or other religious symbols in the work place. If I owned a business I would. We seem to have such religious differences it seems that spewing or personal takes us away from our jobs.
My farther was a southern baptist minister. Once a new convert got fired for witnessing in the work place. My father explained that when he was at work he should give all to his employer. Witnessing can be done on breaks. A workman is worthy of his hire.

Point well taken. It is covered under the first amendment. Thanks for not being abusive or at least most of you.

Look, prosletation is for times other than work, but France is wrong to ban religious symbols. My wearing a religious symbol (I don't but still) does not mean I am actively trying to convert others, it's a personal statement well within the bounds of professionalism. I am an atheist, and I still think that people should be allowed to do whatever they want if it doesn't affect me, or my work environment.

If you want to.........

The French are not exactly known for their successes. For most people, they are the apitome of weakness.

People have a right to bring religious symbols to work, so long as they don't cause an interruption in business. There's a difference between wearing a cross and witnessing. The latter should not be allowed unless it is invited by the co-worker asking.

No. I expect to have the freedom to wear a cross if I so choose. To step on that personal a freedom would be heinous. However, witnessing at work is crossing the line.

I think it is a brave attempt at a solution to the religious problems of a multi-faith society, keep your religion private and find consolation in your beliefs privately as you should.

Sure,

Lets model America after France.

Do some homework about the French standard of living and then come back and tell us that is the kind of place you would like to live.


Not me!

Peace!

Witnessing and wearing a cross are two different things. I have always worn religious symbols, I have a picture of the Blessed Mother at my desk.

I do not talk about nor push my beliefs on anyone. If someone is interested or asks...I answer. That's it.

I have never had anyone say they were threatened by my crucifix. I have never felt threatened by anyone's religious symbols.

I think that France is being ridiculous.

Why? Some people really need to get off their high horse and start waking up to the reality that the world doesn't revolve around them. Everyone has differences. I agree, proselytizing in the work place isn't correct, but a religious symbol shouldn't be attacked.

I see where you are coming from, but it would seem to me that we cannot make such a law without violating our Constitution. Making such a law would be in effect having the government intrude on religion. I work for a business owned by a Christian family, and witnessing on the job is considered both appropriate and encouraged. They like nothing more than for an employee to come to know the Lord. They are more than willing to lose whatever income may be lost due to the witnessing going on if it meant that someone was saved. I guess it's just different strokes for different folks.

no, it should be up to the person..... that sort of law is taking individuality away.... people are proud of there religions and to tell them they are not allow to do some thing that is dear to them is like crushing there spirit

Religious symbolism comes under free speech....does it not? How long do the co-workers talk about the football game or the baseball game or American Idol or whatever? If you limit speaking about religion, you have to limit other topics of conversation.

That being said, under free speech, no-one should be made to feel that their's is an inferior religion -- or feel pressured into listening to someone's diatribe about a particular religion. Proselytizing should not be allowed at all. Friendly conversations -- yes; pressure or diatribes -- no. Definitely not. The same rules should apply as used for sexual harrassment...if the recipient of the religious speech feels uncomfortable and says no, then the religious speech should stop.

I am a devout Roman Catholic...I do not tolerate any negative comments about Catholicism, Judaism, Islam or any other groups in my presence.

It's protected under the constitution....

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

The phrase "separation of church and state" is not quoted anywhere within it.

NO WAY. If you want to witness with words...I can understand saying it has to be on break or after work hours....but a crucifix or headscarf does not impede one to work. When we get rid of those things we are basically making religion a 'hobby' a part of our lives reserved for the weekend or a few hours when we 'get a chance'.