22/08/2007

Irish Police Under Sikh Pressure

An Garda Siochanna have been criticised for banning the wearing of Sikh turbans while officers are on duty.

Green Party TD Ciaran Cuffe has written to Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy requesting that the ban be removed.

Mr Cuffe has maintained that the turban is a "vital part" of the Sikh religion.

Sikhs are forbidden to cut their hair or to appear in public without their turban.

In the UK Sikh police officers are permitted to wear a turban.

The Metropolitan Police Sikh Association has branded An Garda Siochana's policy as out of date.

The row erupted after a Sikh man in training was told he had to wear a Garda standard issue cap.

(SP)

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