The United Somali Movement is troubled by the bill in the Minnesota House of Representatives seeking to amend the right to religious head coverings in license and state identification cards.
This proposed legislation has very serious repercussions, including the potential confusion that may arise since women who typically cover will have photos that may not resemble them, as well as the denial of the basic human right to religion.
This legislation will impact the lives of thousands of Muslim women in Minnesota from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds who cover their hair as an expression of faith.
Not only does this prospective requirement violate the right to religion of marginalized communities particularly that of Muslim women, but the requirement also creates additional problems.
Even if women remove their head covering for a photo, they would continue to wear this covering in their daily routines – causing them to run into issues when they must show proof of ID for various social, and security purposes.
This creates an apparent discrepancy in appearance, as women look different when their head is exposed, and will consequently create more problems for citizens and law enforcement officers alike.
This proposed bill will not fulfill its intention to create better identification. Rather, it will further alienate a vulnerable sub-population.
We understand the security need to have the face visible, but we are concerned with the counterproductive requirement to show the head as well. We strongly maintain that the face is identification and not the head.
March is the internationally recognized month for women.
It is disappointing that in light of this time, some local legislators are seeking to limit the rights of women.
We have very serious concerns about this proposed bill, and we hope legislators and citizens will give this troubling bill more serious scrutiny.
Source: FOX9.com
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