Abstract

Based on a judgment of the German High Court of Justice, some federal states passed laws holding that a female teacher is not allowed to wear an Islamic headscarf in a public school, whereas Christian symbols can be allowed due to their general cultural significance. The article argues that such a differentiation is incompatible with the equal concern and respect a secular state owes to each of its citizens. The arguments are based on an ethical understanding of liberalism that takes the difference between weak and strong evaluations seriously. Apart from pragmatic considerations, ethical liberalism supports a moderate multiculturalism in dealing with conflicts around religious signs and symbols.