Eiffel Tower: The controversy began on Saturday when around 100 members of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Hindu spiritual movement, made a private visit to the Eiffel Tower. According to union representative Diane Davoine, female staff were asked to leave their workstations so that male colleagues could take their places as the delegation passed through.
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Staff Anger Boils Over Into A Strike
Tensions built through the weekend, and by Monday, employees called a meeting that led to a full walkout, shutting the monument for the day. In a strongly worded statement, staff condemned what they called professional instructions that led to female employees being “sidelined, replaced and made invisible” because of their sex.
Management Admits Fault
SETE, the company operating the tower, confirmed that the delegation had asked for the visit to be arranged in a way that limited interactions with women, and admitted plainly that “these conditions should not have been accepted.” The company said the arrangement did not align with its values or the principle of equality.
Political Backlash Follows
The incident drew sharp criticism from French officials. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire called the exclusion of female workers “unacceptable” and said an investigation would begin as soon as possible. France’s Equality Minister Aurore Berge reacted angrily as well, stating that no religion stands above the law.
BAPS Responds With An Apology
Eiffel Tower: The BAPS Hindu temple in Paris issued a statement saying it took the concerns “very seriously” and apologised for any pain or inconvenience caused. The episode has nonetheless reignited debate in France over religious accommodation, workplace equality and the boundaries between private events and public institutions.
