ISLAMOPHOBIA REPORT

ISLAMOPHOBIA IN Italy
(10 points higher than in 2012 47 ). In particular, a name of Islamic origin in the curriculum
vitae and/or a job candidate wearing the Islamic veil can be viewed unfavourably. In
some cases, sensitive questions about the religious orientation of the candidate have been
asked. Furthermore, uncomfortable reactions of employers when the candidate accidentally
informs them about his/her religious affiliation have been noted. 48
With reference to equal treatment in employment, risks of direct and indirect
discrimination linked to the traditional and religious practices of Muslim workers
have been noticed. In the absence of a general law on the right to freedom of religion,
which includes the workplace, and lacking an ad hoc agreement between the Muslim
community and the Italian state at the national level, 49 the employer enjoys wider
discretion to refuse to take into consideration specific needs, particularly when the
employee is a member of a “religion without an agreement”. 50
Muslim communities and workers, supported by the Trade Unions (CGIL –
CISL – UIL), have pulled together to improve the situation 51 and have signed agreements
with local enterprises with regard to Islamic holidays and festivals, prayer
spaces, fasting during Ramadan and consuming halal food at canteens. 52
These agreements have enabled Muslim workers to observe Ramadan (thanks
to the reduction on working time during this period), to attend Friday prayers, to
pray at the correct prayer times and to have halal meal options in canteens. However,
these agreements can work only within large enterprises in which the collective bargaining
power of Muslim workers is very strong.
As a consequence, the protection of Muslim workers’ rights has proven to be
very fragmented depending on the geographical area. In practice, the larger the enterprise,
the higher the presence of Muslim employees and therefore the stronger the
protection that is granted to their rights. 53
In August, 2015, an action plan against racism, xenophobia and intolerance
was adopted by the Italian government. Among other actions, this plan foresees
47. Special Eurobarometer 393, Discrimination in the EU in 2012, 129, http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_393_en.pdf.
48. Cases reported to or gathered by the “MAI+” initiative in 2015.
49. Pursuant to article 8 of the Italian Constitution, the Italian state has concluded an agreement with the representative
bodies of some religious groups (for instance, the Adventists, the Jewish Communities, the Lutheran Church),
but not with the Muslim community. Since 1990, the most representative Muslim associations settled in Italy, such
as UCOII (Unione delle Comunità Islamiche d’Italia), A.M.I (Associazione Musulmani d’Italia) and COREIS (Comunità
Religiosa Islamica Italiana), have proposed draft agreements to the Government.
50. See Chiara Favilli, Report on measures to combat discrimination, Country report, Italy, European network of legal
experts in the non-discrimination field, 2013.
51. Carlo Cardia – Giuseppe Della Torre, Comunità Islamiche in Italia, identità e forme giuridiche, Giappichelli
Editore, 2015, 418, 492-505.
52. Carlo Cardia – Giuseppe Della Torre, Comunità Islamiche in Italia, identità e forme giuridiche, Giappichelli
Editore, 2015, 417-418.
53. Carlo Cardia – Giuseppe Della Torre, Comunità Islamiche in Italia, identità e forme giuridiche, Giappichelli
Editore, 2015, 418.
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