Hairdresser, headscarf, lawsuit
posted at 4:35 pm on November 8, 2007 by Bryan
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It’s fair to say that I understand very little about this story. I don’t understand how someone whose beliefs require wearing a headscarf anytime she’s out in public could possibly gravitate toward hairdressing as an occupation. If it’s sinful to show your hair, isn’t it sinful to help others show theirs? I also don’t understand how any lawyer could ethically take up her case when she sues a salon for failing to hire her.
The owner of an “alternative” London hair salon is being sued for religious discrimination after refusing to give a job to a Muslim woman who wanted to wear a headscarf at work.
Sarah Desrosiers, whose Wedge salon specialises in “urban funky” cuts, says she turned down applicant Bushra Noah because she was “selling image” and needed her staff to display their hairstyles to the public.
That, I understand. Hairdressing is the product, so you need to show it to sell it. Duh.
Ms Noah, 19, is claiming religious discrimination and suing Ms Desrosiers for more than £15,000 for injury to her feelings, as well as an unspecified sum for lost earnings.
Ms Desrosiers, 32, who set up her business in King’s Cross 18 months ago, has already spent more than £1,000 fighting the case and says that if she loses she will be forced to close.
The salon owner makes the point that showing off new hairstyles is part of the job. Makes sense to me. The case gets interesting in the details.
Ms Noah said today she had attended a total of 25 interviews for hairdressing jobs without success and had decided to take legal action because she had been upset by Ms Desrosiers’ comments. She said: “I decided to sue this hairdresser because she upset me the most. I felt so down and got so depressed, I thought if I am not going to defend myself, who is?
“When I spoke to her on the phone she offered me a trial day. But when I turned up she looked at me in shock. She asked if I wore the headscarf all the time. She kept repeating, ‘I wish you told me over the phone’.
“Ever since I was in high school hairdressing is what I wanted to do. It is sad for them to not give me the opportunity. This has ruined my ambitions. Wearing a headscarf is essential to my beliefs.”
So…she got turned down 25 times. A reasonable person might have found a clue in that. But our intrepid Ms Noah decides to sue one of the 25, sort of just because.
What lawyer thinks Noah has a good case here? I don’t see it. Am I paranoid to see this as another attempt to use western courts to impose Islamic practices on non-Muslims?
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In most boutique salons in Europe and Asia, part of the job is practicing on other employees in the off hours and sporting hair styles they want to sell. It’s also part of the apprenticeship for inexperienced hairdressers.
If she wasn’t willing to go that far by removing her scarf, then she clearly wasn’t suitable for the job, regardless of whether she was muslim, hindu, buddhist, or spaghetti monsterian.
But, this was never about hairstyling to begin with, as Bryan makes alludes to. This is the woman being used to muscle Sharia law into the British law books.
Mindcrime on November 8, 2007 at 4:39 PM
BROWS
Connie on November 8, 2007 at 4:40 PM
OT - Can the boss use her connections to get Yon’s picture up on Fox? It’s really too incredible to let it get buried.
BadgerHawk on November 8, 2007 at 4:41 PM
Lynne F. Stewart, for one.
Lawrence on November 8, 2007 at 4:42 PM
Bryan: I think your thoughts/comments are spot on but keep in mind this is in Londonistan so common sense and logic will not likely be involved. Political correctness and multicultural symbolism will likely win the day, imho, and this lady will likely lose and have to close her salon.
oilbertan on November 8, 2007 at 4:43 PM
Observing how a hairdresser wears HER hair is part of choosing a stylist.
Connie on November 8, 2007 at 4:43 PM
Muslim woman [hairdresser wannabe] in headscarf + “urban funky” haircuts = oxymoron.
Case dismissed.
OhEssYouCowboys on November 8, 2007 at 4:44 PM
I’m no expert so, is she supposed to be wearing makeup?
Harpoon on November 8, 2007 at 4:46 PM
It’s in London.
She’ll win the case. End of story.
Gregor on November 8, 2007 at 4:47 PM
If I had only known then I would have sued Larry Flynt for not putting me in Hustler. I was so depressed. Wearing
a headscarfpants is essential to my beliefs.jdkchem on November 8, 2007 at 4:48 PM
I wonder if this is a staged grievance stunt. It would also be interesting to know if the lawyer is connected to some muslim ‘civil rights’ group or is just an ordinary lefty.
Drew on November 8, 2007 at 4:49 PM
Those lawyers, always trying to scarf up on a few bucks.
right2bright on November 8, 2007 at 4:49 PM
What’s next? A lawsuit against Hooter’s along these same lines?
SailorDave on November 8, 2007 at 4:49 PM
The economic jihad marches on.
With a suit brought by a truly iconic asshat.
profitsbeard on November 8, 2007 at 4:51 PM
I honestly think it depends on each woman’s interpretation of the “suggestion” that they dress modestly. Or, at the least, on each neighborhood mufti’s interpretation of the texts. I’ve seen muslim women here in Saint Louis who dress in very nice mini-skirts and heels and make up and yet still hide their hair, which is utterly bizarre to me because I always thought that the sight of naked ankles much less naked knees and thighs drove muslim men into paroxysms of sexual frustration.
Mindcrime on November 8, 2007 at 4:51 PM
I don’t buy this kid’s story, a Muslim girl in Hajab has dreamt of being a hairdresser all her life, despite Isalmic “purity” laws about contact with non-Muslims and such? I smell a set up for a phony law suit. It’s no wonder the BNP is picking up steam there, if this woman’s salon goes under and she loses everything, and her employees lose their jobs, count another 6-12 people voting BNP.
The Muslims in Europe are setting themselves up for another Kosovo, and this time America won’t have the will to bail them out.
Rob Taylor on November 8, 2007 at 4:51 PM
Could be she is a bit, ummmm, ummmm, well she is not very, ummmm,mmmmmm, not exactly, ummmm, hmmmmm, not what you would call,ooooh lets just say, someone you would not want representing fashion and beauty?
Or as someone more rude than me would say, “trade that scarf in for a dog collar”.
right2bright on November 8, 2007 at 4:53 PM
So as part of the job description, you have to show off your hairstyle. You refuse to comply with that part of the job requirements. So, you can sue?
Can I sue a law firm for not hiring me as a lawyer if I claim getting a law degree is against my beliefs?
amerpundit on November 8, 2007 at 4:54 PM
What if a major group of Muslim women in the West decide to play this game? Can’t wait for the outcome of this case. Don’t bet yet. This is a crazy world and times we live in.
1. Set yourself up for failure
2. Whine
3. Sue
4. Whine some more
5. All others are racists
Entelechy on November 8, 2007 at 4:58 PM
Religion of hairpiece.
saint kansas on November 8, 2007 at 5:00 PM
You mean the guy who sued Hooters? Hooters settled for $3.75 to keep beefcake off the menu.
jdkchem on November 8, 2007 at 5:00 PM
So, she is suing the 1 out of 25 salons because the owner was the most honest with her about her employment issues?
In hiring, honesty is the worst policy. what a world the left is creating…
redshirt on November 8, 2007 at 5:01 PM
Not in the least, Bryan.
DakRoland on November 8, 2007 at 5:06 PM
If this suit flies, we should just cut to the chase and let Muslim women walk into everything from strip clubs to Hooters and demand tribute at will.
Blacklake on November 8, 2007 at 5:06 PM
Yeah, if I had my druthers, I’d much rather see what you have seen than a head of hair ……… considering of course.
Harpoon on November 8, 2007 at 5:08 PM
DNC talking points I assume……..LOL
bones47 on November 8, 2007 at 5:12 PM
Great comments, Bryan. It’s definitely a set up.
Why doesn’t she try to get a job at Hermes? They have numerous handy dandy locations in London.
If we’re not careful, this time America could be cheering on the Islamists.
Buy Danish on November 8, 2007 at 5:12 PM
It sounds like a set up to me, like the “Flying Imams”.
EdGruberman on November 8, 2007 at 5:12 PM
I don’t know. I wish some of the hairdressers I’ve seen would wear scarves. It always bothers me when most of them have really crappy hair and they are in the business.
mimi1220 on November 8, 2007 at 5:13 PM
Based on that women’s fashion sense, I wouldn’t let her sell anything or do anything that has to do with fashion. She looks like an HDTV test pattern that was fathered by Woody Allen.
When are people going to learn to use some common sense when dealing with people like this? You don’t hire them period, and you don’t have to give them a reason.
“The position was filled, now go try to screw someone else.”
Hening on November 8, 2007 at 5:14 PM
I don’t think you’re paranoid, Bryan. I live in Minnesota, this is MORE than possible, it’s reality.
MNDavenotPC on November 8, 2007 at 5:18 PM
MB4 on November 8, 2007 at 5:24 PM
It’s the UK Bryan, anything could happen. You are not paranoid.
If she got the job, who would go to her booth? She may well get a job, because of her suit, yet not get any clients. Then what, she’d need to sue British culture.
Theworldisnotenough on November 8, 2007 at 5:24 PM
That’s pretty much what I suspect.
Bryan on November 8, 2007 at 5:25 PM
On another note… GLOBAL WARMING! Like back in ‘53!
Impressively, neither “global warming” and “climate change” appear in the story. But it’s coming.
Vizzini on November 8, 2007 at 5:33 PM
Can you sue for lost earnings for a job you never had??
rosewaning on November 8, 2007 at 5:33 PM
You’re talking about the nanny-state, England/Britain/UK. She’ll win her lawsuit.
The UK has gone nuts with jailing the victims of criminals for defending themselves and/or their property from the criminals, where the criminal is injured in the process of being thwarted. I think the UK is finally going completely daft.
SilverStar830 on November 8, 2007 at 5:35 PM
What next? Victoria Secret being forced to hire Hillary or Rosie to model?
pat on November 8, 2007 at 5:37 PM
Good God, that is an ugly woman!
TheSitRep on November 8, 2007 at 5:50 PM
remember, she’s in england, so theres a good chance she’ll win on the basis of dhimmitude.
its vintage duh on November 8, 2007 at 6:02 PM
Good Lord, if that happens, the population of the planet will drop precipitously over the next 80s years, back to pre-civilization levels!
Mindcrime on November 8, 2007 at 6:04 PM
I’d like to wipe that smirk off her (very unattractive) face.
Maybe it will come off when she loses the case - in UK losers pay, right??? Or is that only in libel cases??
Any solicitors out there??
fred5678 on November 8, 2007 at 6:06 PM
Or an old, fat, dumpy chick like me! I can sue and never work again!
Actually, I hope this woman winds up paying for all the misery she has caused, and all the wasted time she is putting people through. Let’s set THAT precedent.
CrimsonFisted on November 8, 2007 at 6:06 PM
This case is not very far removed from the prevailing US attitude:
“My life isn’t perfect -
whowhom do I sue?”Good grammar is hard work.
fred5678 on November 8, 2007 at 6:08 PM
I don’t understand how a picture of Mohammed could be offensive when people name their kids that. Muslims are almost as dumb as liberals with their false anger.
SouthernGent on November 8, 2007 at 6:18 PM
^^^ I meant in relation to a woman not being ALLOWED to show her hair, but wanting to style it.
SouthernGent on November 8, 2007 at 6:19 PM
I believe that in England the plaintiff has to pay their own lawyer. There are no contingency fee lawyers like John Edwards and his trial lawyer friends.
Maybe her lawyer is getting paid by Hamas or some other Muslim charity. Or maybe her lawyer is a friend of Lynne F. Stewart.
slp on November 8, 2007 at 6:34 PM
Nope.
Last is First on November 8, 2007 at 6:44 PM
Bryan:
You left out an important part of the facts.
Ms. Noah did not sue in court. She just filed a complaint with the “employment tribunal” which I suspect is a UK combination of EEOC and unemployment. She did not need a lawyer to file her complaint.
However, Ms. Desrosiers does need a lawyer to fight for her.
slp on November 8, 2007 at 6:46 PM
Just sending a multicultural message one hairstyle at a time…
d1carter on November 8, 2007 at 6:54 PM
Of course it’s staged and agenda driven but English imbeciles will give it righteous scrutiny and may well bow to Islam. They will think this will please and satisfy the dangerous “radical” killers who inhabit the horizon, hidden in its mist.The muslims will smile and approve and then ratchet up the next form of intimidation.
BL@KBIRD on November 8, 2007 at 7:04 PM
Ugh please remove her ugliness from the page. She is crossing cultural lines by trying to get a job in a western style salon. I think the owner of the salon should counter sue for restraint of trade, loss of clientele,ect. I know in the USA the some shops rent the chairs to the hairdressers, and it depends on a persons following as to how much business they do. You can not force people to get done by an Alice the Goon look alike. People choose to sit in a certian hairstyleists chair,. Maybe she will start an islamic revolution with thousands of muslim women burning their scarfs. Can their bra’s be far behind? LOL
sonnyspats1 on November 8, 2007 at 7:14 PM
Hee.
Tanya on November 8, 2007 at 7:19 PM
That’s gonna be tough to find someone brave enough to take the case. If it were a militant atheist suing the Anglicans over a Navitity scene, all the atheist and his lawyer would worry about are strongly worded letters from parishioners. Desrosier and her lawyers are likely to contend with effigy-burning Muslim protests outside her shop.
You’re not helping yourself by trying to be “the bigger victim” in this case, honey. To win, you need to turn it around… Make sure you ask every reporter that interviews you:
-Where is the outcry from British Muslims regarding Bushra Noah for wanting so desperately to touch kafir women’s hair?
-Why did a Muslim woman so desirous of a hairdresser’s job seek out jobs amongst the kafir when the Koran is against it (”O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them for friendship is of them. Verily God guideth not a people unjust.” [Koran 5:51])
-Why would a good Muslim girl want to be a hairdresser when popular European Imam Raed Hleihel decreed only two years ago that ‘A woman who wants to call herself a believer must cover herself completely, according to the sharia rules’? Imam Hleihel noted that women who went to the hairdresser’s and wore perfume would go to Hell.
-Is Bushra Noah completely factual in claiming she applied to 25 different racist salons in London when a 2 second-long Web search shows ColourNation in the West End openly accepts Muslim women patrons and hairdressers?
Don’t let the reporters paint you as a racist xenophobe–turn it around and make them do their jobs.
ScottMcC on November 8, 2007 at 7:24 PM
I bet there aint enough WAX in Brazil!
TheSitRep on November 8, 2007 at 7:43 PM
Within a week every hair salon in GB will be overrun with ugly, scarf clad Muslim hags demanding a position or they’ll sue.
csdeven on November 8, 2007 at 8:28 PM
What I find hilarious is this: essentially the muslim doctrine towards women is predicated upon muslim men being completely incapable of any self-control. The prohibitions against women essentially say, because muslim men are no better than dogs at controlling their libido, it is up to the women to hide any hint of sexuality lest they temp the fragile control that muslim men maintain. If a man is tempted it obviously must be a woman’s fault and therefore said woman should be stoned or beaten or slaughtered like livestock. When they aren’t busy running around killing unarmed civilians, dressing like women to escape capture or sending children to fight battles they are too cowardly to fight, they are at home beating and killing their women for tempting their fragile self-control and malformed egos. Thankfully it is a religion of peace …
deepdiver on November 8, 2007 at 8:33 PM
Heh, the above sounds like the typical thumbsucking “entitlement” mentality of some in American society, only they do it for the money while this Muslim gal is doing it to help reinstate the Caliphate!
Liberty or Death on November 8, 2007 at 9:28 PM
Can you say fugly?
sonnyspats1 on November 8, 2007 at 9:42 PM
Nice to know the Brits are up to their arse in Muslim morons as well. I’m tellin’ ya, they ain’t backin’ down.
commonsensehoosier on November 8, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Has to be.
aengus on November 8, 2007 at 10:14 PM
Heh, I first read “can you sue for lost earrings?”
What if women want to sell Avon or other make-up products and refuse to demo it?
There might be a huge difference btw. America and Europe in that here the small companies have different requirements and rules/laws compared to mega corporations.
Entelechy on November 8, 2007 at 10:23 PM
I don’t see it either, but as many have said already, it is Great Britan.
No, you’re not at all paranoid.
Honestly, if I were to go to the hairdressers, and this woman was supposed to do my hair, I’d have real misgivings. If I actually let her do it, I’d be worried the whole time she’d do a horrible job, on purpose, and that’s the least of it… I’d be wondering in the back of my mind when she would try to slit my throat. It’s totally weird that this woman really wants to be a hair stylist.
4shoes on November 8, 2007 at 10:36 PM
I think it’s the sense of entitlement that has affected the planet over the last forty-plus years.
Muslim women are allowed to make each other look pretty behind [all-women] closed doors. So it’s not unusual that she would want to be a hairdresser. Honestly, I think this is just a case of a selfish child wanting what she wants and refusing to bend her ways to the outside world.
Which is not to say that I’d want someone wearing a hijab cutting my hair. Sorry. If my hairdresser doesn’t have a great cut, I don’t want him or her working on me. It really is an image thing. My hairdresser is so good that I will drive 350 miles to get my hair cut by him, still.
Okay, I moved from NJ to Richmond, VA, but every time I’m back in NJ around the time I need a haircut, I go to Rocco. But it sounds neat if I say I drive 350 miles to get my hair cut by him.
Meryl Yourish on November 8, 2007 at 10:52 PM
Hmmm what’s that about not getting a hair cut from a bald man. . .
- The Cat
P.S. This have anything to do with the ‘UK’s “Islam is Peace” ad campaign’?
MirCat on November 8, 2007 at 11:41 PM
I dunno, but I saw a little something creeping in through the cracks that might carry a clue.
Could it be that that’s their real ulterior motive, especially for salons featuring “urban funky” cuts?
hmmmmm?
leepro on November 9, 2007 at 12:39 AM
Y’gotta concede that Sarah does look like a bit of a chav in that photo, though
Poor girl.
Reaps on November 9, 2007 at 12:57 AM
If this doesn’t work, perhaps she can get a job at MacDonalds - then sue them for wrongful dismissal after she refuses to touch non-halal meat.
Or go to work in a pig farm and refuse to be near pigs.
Or get a job as a beer taster at brewery.
I am sick to death of people moaning about “religious discrimination”.
Discrimination is a hate crime when the factors are race, sexuality, height, disability or sexual orientation - all of which are “what we are”.
Religion is merely a personal preference. What we choose to believe. If you can’t keep those beliefs to yourself, then get a job in a mosque, kosher butcher or Christian bookstore.
uptight on November 9, 2007 at 12:58 AM
Muslim Makeover
Okay - I’ve given this woman a makeover in photoshop. I’ve kept the glasses, but ditched the oppression scarf, given her a nice hairdo, a posh dress and a few sessions on the sun bed.
Do you this this is an improvement, cos I do.
uptight on November 9, 2007 at 1:26 AM
pimf
Do you think this is an improvement, cos I do?
uptight on November 9, 2007 at 1:28 AM
A French philosopher once wrote ‘never argue with an idiot because you will have to approach him on his level and on his level he will always win’
I paraphrase ‘never attempt to assimilate a member of a dishonorable culture because they will pervert your own rules of honor against you as they substitute the inherent decency of your system with their own inferior model’
Someone above correctly identified her game: ‘tribute’
Play the game my way or pay me tribute. In the long run I will take down you prostitutes and close your houses of depravity. Brick by brick I will erase everything beautiful that was England and replace it with my failed culture that has destroyed every nation my people dominate
Then you too can go around with bags on your heads with your brains closed off to the ideas, ideals and beauty that is Western culture
I am sick of these people. My patience is gone. I dream of them being gone. They are desecrating my world
entagor on November 9, 2007 at 1:31 AM
Uptight… you’re hired.
entagor… wow. Well said. I feel you. Maybe we’ll run into each other at reeducation camp.
saint kansas on November 9, 2007 at 4:16 AM
entagor on November 9, 2007 at 1:31 AM
Agreed.
Along with their demented culture they bring their bullsh!t attitude.
If they don’t like our country for what it is, they should just get the hell out.
I also believe Bush is right, bullets are far more effective than courts. Resolution is final.
leanright on November 9, 2007 at 6:37 AM
I wonder…if she was given the job and didn’t get any customers because nobody wants their hair styled by someone who for whatever reason (we know it’s religious, but in the marketplace where people can’t be forced into a contract against their will, it doesn’t matter) won’t show her own hair to the public, would she still sue?
I mean, seriously…would you use a workout DVD that was audio-only or showed somebody sitting down on the couch with their feet propped up telling you what you should be doing?
James on November 9, 2007 at 7:36 AM
the answer here is simple: don’t do business with muslims, ever. i don’t.
and don’t open your mouth to them or give them any reason to bring an idiot suit like this one.
madmonkphotog on November 9, 2007 at 9:04 AM
Next on the list of companies to be sued for religious descrimination is Hooters for not hiring her because she insisted on wearing her hijab.
taznar on November 9, 2007 at 9:43 AM
Yet more IIED bullsh!t…it’s nothing but a fraudulent pretense to plunder the legal system.
Ochlan on November 9, 2007 at 10:03 AM
I thought I was all alone ;-) I also extend it to hispanics until this illegal alien invasion is resolved.
I call it “active disassociation” - a totally peacable approach to societal change.
Others call it “racism”…but stupid people have always been a part of the problem ;-)
Ochlan on November 9, 2007 at 10:06 AM
uptight-
Superb work!
The economic jihadi girl would have a Road to Damascus moment if she saw it, no question.
Bryan:
Please email uptight’s link / image to the haridressers lawyer immediately and post it above for comaparison.
It seals the deal perfectly.
profitsbeard on November 9, 2007 at 10:53 AM
The woman is wearing MAKEUP. Isn’t that immodest?
Mommynator on November 9, 2007 at 11:23 AM
Victim, always the victim - and we best not forget it, or they’ll sue.
As far as her appearance, as they say in the South, “poor little thing, bless her heart.”
24K lady on November 9, 2007 at 12:19 PM
This whole Muslim thing, people caving into them, reminds me of a series on TV a long time ago…about aliens who looked human but were really lizard-like…something like that. In any case, it shown most of the population against them and fighting them….but then there were others (usually the high ranking people-policitians/lawyers etc.)who felt it was better to summit to them, so them helped them gain control! Sound familiar?? I thought the whole world would unite to fight these crazy Muslims, but it seems the very people who would be the first killed are the ones who are making it possible for Muslims to be in a postion to do exactly that. It does seem like a sci-fi movie this whole planet is in!!!
When I hear, multiculturalism-diversity-sensitivity…my stomach turns….AND from what I have seen, especially the men they are the damn ugliest people.
mag5435 on November 9, 2007 at 12:23 PM
That was ‘V.’
James on November 9, 2007 at 12:41 PM
Instead of Ms. Noah, maybe she should change her name to Ms. Delilah.
Does she know that she has a name form the Bible?
ricelchew on November 9, 2007 at 2:24 PM
I couldn’t agree more.
madmonkphotog on November 9, 2007 at 2:55 PM
When I hear, multiculturalism-diversity-sensitivity
mag5435 on November 9, 2007 at 12:23 PM
They can take their brainwashing ideologies and shove them up their a$$.
leanright on November 9, 2007 at 4:41 PM