Eiffel Tower closes over gender discrimination row involving spiritual group

The Eiffel Tower suspended operations after staff raised concerns about instructions that reportedly sidelined female employees during a scheduled visit by representatives of a Hindu spiritual organisation. Tower management issued a statement condemning the directives, describing them as contrary to workplace equality principles and the monument's values.

According to reports, female staff members were allegedly reassigned or made unavailable during the group's visit, raising questions about whether the instructions were implemented to accommodate specific religious or cultural preferences of the visitors. Tower officials did not publicly identify the spiritual movement involved or provide extensive details about the nature of the visit.

The incident has reignited debate about balancing cultural sensitivity with workplace rights and gender equality in France. Labour representatives voiced concern that accommodating visitor preferences should never compromise employee dignity or result in gender-based discrimination.

The temporary closure marks a significant moment for the globally recognised landmark, which typically operates daily. Tower authorities indicated they would review protocols governing visitor groups and staff assignments to prevent similar situations from recurring. The incident underscores growing tensions in some Western nations regarding how religious and cultural accommodation requests are handled in public institutions.