Paris investigates claim women step out during Hindu visit

Female employees at the Eiffel Tower were asked to step out of sight during a visit by a Hindu religious delegation at the weekend, according to union representatives, prompting a staff protest and an investigation by Paris city authorities.



The monument was closed late on Monday as employees held a meeting over the incident, which has angered staff and drawn criticism from French politicians.



On Saturday, a delegation of about 100 people linked to the Hindu group Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, or BAPS, made a private visit to the Eiffel Tower.



"As the delegation passed through, women were asked to leave their workstations so that men could take their places," according to a union representative.

"Tensions mounted over the weekend, so this morning, the employees decided to meet: first, to open a dialogue with management, and second, to ensure that women are never treated this way at the company again," the spokesperson added.



Signs at the base of the tower on Monday read: "The opening of the Eiffel Tower is delayed for operational reasons."