13/02/2001 (Agence Europe) - In response to a written question raised by MEP Helle Thorning-Schmidt (PES, Denmark), Anna Diamantopolou, European Commissioner for Social Affairs and Employment, recalls that the directive (2000/78/EC) relating to equal opportunities with regard to employment and work, to take effect on 2 December 2003, bans all direct or indirect discrimination based on religion. The Commissioner believes that if an employer bans a female employee from wearing a scarf - Hijab - or Islamic veil this may be tantamount to discrimination based on religion, except if the ban is justified for health or safety reasons. Ms Diamantopoulou, who spoke of possible litigation, stresses that it will be up to the national judge to assess the facts and to take a decision, once the directive has come into force.