So British Airways, under religious pressure, is to review its policy about the wearing of religious jewellery by check-in staff, despite its own belief and a court's judgment that the current policy is legal. It's going to do so so that employees representing the company can, at the same time, advertise on behalf of a religious faith by displaying a representation of an instrument of death by torture. Assuming that they're not planning to discriminate in favour of religion, I guess that means that staff could wear little shiny nooses, garrottes, racks and electric chairs too. If not, why not? To some of its many customers who do not subscribe to Christian beliefs, a crucifix is no more than a vile tool of slow execution. Why on Earth should we be expected to look at it as we are served at a commercial counter?

Even among those who simply see it as a badge of Christianity, a considerable number have been traumatised by that religion - living with permanent guilt over trivial sins, or no sins at all; living in fear of hellfire, or even sexually abused by its holy officers. Such people may be a minority, but what purpose is served by reminding them of their fears just before they board a flight, which, for many, is already a difficult experience?

Just what is the purpose of wearing a visible cross while on duty? Is it to remind the wearer that she is a Christian? Surely she doesn't forget that easily! Is it to remind God that she is a loyal believer, just in case he forgets? I don't think so! Is it a religious requirement, like the Sikh turban or Muslim "modesty"? No it is not - no Christian teaching or commandment requires the wearing of the cross.

Wearing the cross can be one of only two things, either self-promotion or adverstising. If self-promotion, the wearer is saying to those who encounter her "Look at me! I'm a Christian! Aren't I good!". Is it British Airways policy to have staff promoting their own out-of-work virtues while on duty? Does it not bother them that many people, such as myself, will think less of their staff who not only believe Christian doctrine, but boast about it? And why does the wearer think that her customers should care less?

The other reason is to evangelise, to proselytize … to advertise a non-BA "product", in company time, and to the company's captive customers. How many customers will be irritated and annoyed by this? How many will enter one more black mark against BA in their mental ledger of airlines? I know I will. Is BA being paid by the churches to provide this free advertising?

Where will it end? If a Christian cross can be worn, can staff wear a political badge - the Labour rose or Tory torch? How about a CND, gay rights or anti-abortion badge? Surely if it is not to discriminate against deeply-held beliefs, the airline cannot ban any of these things without banning them all.