THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Bal Ram Sampla
Geopolitics
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, a delegation associated with the Hindu organization Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, (BAPS) visited the Eiffel Tower for a private tour. BAPS monks observe vows of lifelong celibacy (naishtika brahmacharya), which require them to avoid direct contact or visual interaction with women.
To honor these religious practices, the delegation requested that interactions with female staff be minimized.
The Workplace Reaction
Management at the tower’s operating company (SETE) agreed to the request and instructed female employees to step away from their workstations, swap shifts with male colleagues, or stay in back-of-house areas during the visit.
In response, Eiffel Tower staff went on strike on Monday, September 7, forcing the monument to close. Union representatives condemned the order, calling it explicit workplace discrimination and an infringement on equality.
The Public and Political Fallout
The incident sparked strong public backlash across France. French politicians and local officials criticized SETE management, arguing that enforcing religious gender rules in a public French landmark violates French law and the nation’s commitment to secularism (laïcité).
SETE management later apologized, admitted accepting the request was a mistake, and launched an investigation into the decision.
Reference
1.https://www.telesurenglish.net/eiffel-tower-workers-delay-opening-over-treatment-of-female-staff/?hl=en-
2.https://www.cp24.com/news/world/2026/09/07/eiffel-tower-closed-in-row-over-women-removed-for-hindu-group/?hl=en-
3.https://ground.news/article/paris-investigates-claim-women-were-hidden-from-hindu-delegation-at-eiffel-tower?hl=en-GB
