Religion et travail

Bulgarian legislation does not contain a direct ban on the wearing of religious symbols at work. The issue is not discussed in the Labor Codex. In general, the wearing of religious symbols by employees of the private sector depends on the rules of the respective companies and is arranged in their work contracts. In practice, however, the different religious symbols are not treated equally. Small crosses and David’s star as necklaces and badges are tolerated, but Muslim headscarves are not. On the eve of Bulgaria’s EU accession, there were cases of bans imposed on female students who wore headscarves at public schools. Those who refused to remove their headscarf were forced to continue their education as private students. This policy was justified by the secular character of public education in Bulgaria. Similarly, Muslim symbols are not present at the offices of state and municipal administration.

From a legal perspective, the adoption in 2016 of a law which banned the full and partial coverage of the face deserves special attention. It started as a decision of the local municipality, and the example was followed by the National Assembly. The law was justified as a security measure aimed to prevent the spread of the custom of full-face coverage among a Muslim sect that had emerged in the Roma district of the city of Pazardzhik. The law allows the coverage of faces within the prayer houses of registered religious denominations but not in public spaces. The coverage of the face is also allowed at work, either when it is necessary to protect the health of workers or for other professional reasons (sportive, cultural, etc.).

At the same time, the Christian, and particularly Eastern Orthodox symbols like icons are widely presented in public buildings (including schools and municipalities) and at national celebrations. After the fall of communism, the presence of the Bible and the patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church at the oath ceremonies of the members of the new National Assembly or government became customary. The same church is also a key participant in national fests such as the blessing of the Army flags on Theophany (January 6) and the Bulgarian Army’s Day celebrated on St. George’s Day (May 6). In 2024, the military forces were also present at the funeral of Patriarch Neofit. Nevertheless, public officials who wear uniforms like firemen or military are not allowed to wear any religious symbols. Medical staff do not wear religious symbols either, though many hospitals in Bulgaria have Orthodox chapels subordinated to the local diocesan bishop. In their turn, religious ministers are free to wear their specific garments in public spaces and national events.