The Eiffel Tower was temporarily closed on Monday after employees protested allegations that female staff members were asked to move away from their work areas during a private visit by a Hindu religious delegation linked to BAPS.
According to union representatives, women were allegedly asked to leave their workstations as the delegation passed through, with male employees taking their places. The incident sparked anger among workers and led to a staff meeting, delaying the monument’s opening.
The Eiffel Tower’s operator, SETE, acknowledged that the delegation had requested arrangements to limit interactions with women and admitted that such conditions should not have been accepted. The organisation has announced an investigation into the incident.
BAPS said the visit had been coordinated with Eiffel Tower authorities to minimise disruption and expressed regret over the controversy, while maintaining that it was unaware of any visitors being denied access.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire also ordered an urgent investigation, stressing that gender discrimination was unacceptable. French political leaders and trade unions strongly criticised the alleged sidelining of female employees.
The incident has triggered a wider debate in France over workplace equality and whether cultural or religious requests can override the country’s principles of gender equality.