Is it normal to expect a nation
Is it normal to expect a nation to change it's laws to accommodate someone's religious beliefs?
Should Muslim women be allowed head scarfs on their DL photos, when everybody else must remove all head wear?
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Is it normal to expect a nation to change it's laws to accommodate someone's religious beliefs?
Should Muslim women be allowed head scarfs on their DL photos, when everybody else must remove all head wear?
Where there are legal requirements for photo identification documents in place to ensure a good level of security, they should be adhered to and applied to everybody equally.
I notice that, in the UK at least, there is a bit of a bias. In the 'passport photo requirements' page of the government website, there is the specific point;
"without a head covering (unless it’s worn for religious or medical reasons)"
I do see this as discrimination. Why is it permissible for a Jewish man to wear a kippah, or a Muslim woman to wear a hijab, but I can't wear a simple hat? If it doesn't obscure the face and isn't in some way absurd/offensive, where's the harm?
I expect they included the clause out of oversensitivity, without considering the implication for everyone left out by it. So in that case, I think they've got it wrong.
As for the bigger question, "IIN to expect a nation to change it's laws to accommodate someone's religious beliefs?" The answer is 'yes - as long as the laws do not discriminate against the majority in favour of the minority.'
A DL isn't required, it's a choice to get one, so I think the same rules should apply for everyone. If the government requires you to have a certain form of ID just for existing, only then should exceptions for religion come into play if that same government affords you religious freedom.