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.'
Is it normal to expect a nation
← View full post
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.'