Samia Abdallah of New Milford is among several Muslim women who were required by Motor Vehicle Commission workers to show their hair for driver's license photos despite an Islamic prohibition against such display.
Posted on 12/05/2005 6:07:34 AM PST by Calpernia
Despite a policy that allows motorists to wear religious head coverings in their driver license photos, some Muslim women complain that workers at the state Motor Vehicle Commission continue to require them to either remove their head scarfs or pull them back so that a substantial amount of hair is showing.
After several of the women complained, the motor vehicle agency wrote several letters of apology, and promised to redouble its efforts to make sure all its employees are familiar with guidelines on head coverings, and apply them equally to everyone.
Sarah Elfayoumi went to have her photo taken at the Lodi office in October, and said she was told by a female employee to take off her hijab, or Muslim head scarf. As is the case in other religions, observant Muslim women cover their heads as a sign of modesty and respect for God.
"Everyone in the room was watching, and it was incredibly embarrassing," she said.
The employees called a manager, who also told Elfayoumi to either take off the scarf, or pull it back far enough so that a significant amount of her hair could be visible in the photo.
She went into the bathroom to try to pull back the scarf as little as possible while still satisfying the motor vehicle workers. They insisted that still more hair be visible, she said, and the manager took her into his office, saying he was not trying to be rude to her or disrespect her religion, but he had to comply with the agency's rules.
She went back into the bathroom.
"I cried hysterically as I was pushing my hijab back to show my hair," she said. "I felt so ashamed, and I felt defeated. My face was puffy, my eyes were red, and I couldn't stop crying. I walked out, completely embarrassed, knowing that everyone was looking at me and knew what was going on."
Elfayoumi sat for a picture with much of her hair showing, then covered it back up as soon as the photo was taken.
"Not only was this an offense to my religion, but I was also stripped of my dignity," she said.
Sharon Harrington, chairwoman of the Motor Vehicle Commission, said the incident should not have happened. She said similar incidents have occurred from time to time, particularly in northern New Jersey, where there is a large Muslim population.
"We do require your face be obvious, but for religious or medical reasons, we will allow a person to wear a head covering," she said.
The agency held a meeting with managers of its 45 offices last week to remind them of the policy and the requirement that it be applied equally to everyone. It also applies to Jewish women or men who wear religious head coverings, as well to members of other religions.
Samia Abdallah of New Milford said she had a similar run-in with workers at the Englewood DMV office.
"The people taking my picture kept telling me, `Pull back your scarf,' " she said. "I pulled it back a little, but he said, `No, more.' I said, `Don't you know I'm covered? I'm a Muslim; I'm supposed to cover my hair.'
She said she relented, and allowed her photo to be taken with significant amounts of her hair showing.
The issue of Muslim religious garb in driver license photos has been an issue in other states as well. In Florida, a woman who insisted on wearing a full facial veil in her license photo had her claim rejected in September by an appellate court.
Mohamed Younes, president of the Totowa-based American Muslim Union, said Muslim women should not have to choose between their religion and a driver license they need in order to work and care for their families.
"It's not to hide her identity; it is just to cover her head modestly for religious purposes," he said. "Other religions show the same respect for God."
MVC apologizes to Muslims
Women were told to show hair for photos
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 12/5/05
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEWARK — When Sarah Elfayoumi went to have her photo taken at the Lodi Motor Vehicle Commission office in October, she was told by a female employee to take off her hijab, or head scarf.
"Everyone in the room was watching, and it was incredibly embarrassing," she said.
She is just one of several Muslim women who have complained that workers at the commission continue to require them to either remove their head scarfs or pull them back so that a substantial amount of hair is showing. As is the case in other religions, observant Muslim women cover their heads as a sign of modesty and respect for God.
After several of the women complained, the motor vehicle agency wrote several letters of apology, and promised to redouble its efforts to make sure all its employees are familiar with guidelines on head coverings, and apply them equally to everyone.
During Elfayoumi's visit, employees called a manager, who also told her to either take off the scarf or pull it back far enough so that a significant amount of her hair could be visible in the photo.
She went into the bathroom to try to pull back the scarf as little as possible while still satisfying the motor vehicle workers. They insisted that still more hair be visible, she said, and the manager took her into his office, saying he was not trying to be rude to her or disrespect her religion, but he had to comply with the agency's rules.
Excerpt:
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051205/NEWS03/512050336/1007/NEWS02
simple solution: you dont want to follow the rules required for getting an ID then you just don't get an ID
simple...
How do these women get passports then? I don't know if these two mentioned in the article go overseas; but what about the ones that immigrated? Aren't the requirements for passports pics the same as a driver's license photo?
hummm....how does one know that's a "she"...????
That IS one of the concerns for having proper identification.
ping
If they don't like our rules? Then let them go where their rules apply.
How can they drive a car bomb when they don't have an ID???
I wonder what the religion of peace says about the lipstick and eyeliner she appears to be wearing.
OMG! That is soooo bad!
I didn't even catch that. Yes, I thought a face veil had to be worn when make up was on and in public?
I wish I could have it my way at the DMV. I think I will complain it is against my religion to wait in line and to pay fees for service.
They pick and choose.
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