Muslims protest jail's refusal to let woman wear head covering

By The Associated Press

07.20.02

Printer-friendly page

CLEVELAND — Muslim and community leaders are protesting a jail's refusal to let an Islamic woman wear a head covering to court.

About 50 people demonstrated at the Justice Center on behalf of Aisha Samad after jail officials refused to let her wear a head covering for a June 27 appearance in county Common Pleas Court in a child custody case.

Her attorney, Rufus Sims, said she was also denied the right to wear a small cap to cover her hair.

Kenneth Kochevar, county corrections director, said officers followed standard security procedures. "A person cannot cover their identity," he said. "We have to make sure something is not hidden away."

The county jail lets Muslim men wear small caps but women's scarves are not allowed and that won't change, said the Rev. Beverly Johnson, head chaplain. "We have not denied or prevented her from practicing her religious beliefs," she said.

But Sims said the hijab — the head covering — is an object with social, religious and sexual implications. He said he would seek a meeting with county officials about changing the policy.

Samad spent a night in jail after being arrested for missing a court date, but a charge against her was later dismissed.

Related

Sikh charges NYPD with bias over beard, turban
'I was fired because I refused to give up my right as an American to practice my religion,' says former officer.  06.12.02

Florida woman sues state for disallowing veil in I.D. photo
Sultaana Freeman's attorney argues state statutes don't require photograph on identification card, and that government's stand is unconstitutional.  01.24.03

Muslim girls relocated from Christian foster home
Arab-American leaders had criticized children's treatment by original foster parents, alleging that the girls were given Christian crosses to wear.  01.05.99