[summer]

I'm sorry but if you want a FL driver's license, and FL law enforcement requires a full face photo from every driver in the state, then either give the photo or take a cab. Because if you don't have to give your photo to law enforcement, then, I shouldn't have to give my photo to law enforcement.

[BlackbirdSST]

"I don't think the state statutes mandate a photograph," he said. So, I guess Fla won't be participating in the NIC. I mean if a picture isn't required, by aclu standards, then how can we be forced to do bio-metrics. It's against my religion. Blackbird.

[RightOnline]

"Sultaana Freeman, a former evangelist preacher who converted to Islam about five years ago and wears the traditional niqab..."

"Former evangelist preachers" (whatever that really means; HORRIBLE syntax.............where's this person's editor???) don't "convert" to Islam. This tells me all I need to know about this twit; she's a total flake. Bank on it.

[weegee]

"I don't show my face to strangers or unrelated males,"

And I don't give my fingerprints unless I'm charged with a crime but the DMV in Texas requires that I let them scan my fingers (with no release on how they will later use this data or why it is needed).

ACLU lawyer Howard Marks argues that the law is vague. Ah yes, the ACLooney steps in to see that common sense, fair play, reason, and the law are all ignored so this woman doesn't feel "threatened".

Marks said he also will cling to a state law on religious freedom that states the "government shall not substantially burden a person's exercise of religion. "

If she were to live under an Islamic state, she may be prohibited from driving altogether. So much for adhering to the tenants of her religion. She's just another fashion victim having a hard time learning to cope.

Her Florida license was issued with her face covered last February, but the state demanded a new photo without her veil in November. State record checks began after Sept. 11.

I guess that DMV photographers are blind as a bat and that explains the photos we all get on our licenses.

Ali is asking the state to clarify its policy on religiously mandated clothes, and he wants the state to train employees about Muslim needs.

Some Indian tribes (=non-PC talk for Native Americans) are rumored to believe that photos steal the soul (and I think even some followers of Islam prohibit images of living things). Do these regious believers get to have licenses without pictures (photographic or otherwise)?

[Caipirabob]

I'm getting pretty tired of our "guests" coming over here and causing trouble in our home.

This should be an offense which merrits immediate deportation.

[Don Joe]

Maybe I should start a new denomination: The Church of Unfettered Light, with a central doctrine that requires all members to wear Groucho nose/mustache/eyeglass gear, a jumbo afro wig, and green facepaint with orange ladybugs painted on the cheeks. And, a prohibition on being photographed except in profile.

We will also require members to take on new names: each member shall be known as Frank. Not "Frank 'Something'", just "Frank", since we're frank about our beliefs.

How much money can we make when we sue the states for violating our freedom of religion by denying us drivers licenses?

[condolinda]

Ha! This woman had better hope to Allah that, while driving Florida's fair road, she's never involved in a serious car accident resulting in a head injury to herself that would require the removal of her veil in order to treat it... and the only person who could give her immediate medical attention is a MALE physician!

[peteram]

Constitution does not apply - since having the ability (or permission) to drive in the state of Florida is a "privilege", not a "right". Just ask anyone who's been through the judicial system in regard to a DUI. The Drivers licence is an administrateve event, while the infraction is the legal event, subject to constitutional guidelines.

The state has every right to deny her a privilege to drive in the state of Florida if she is not willing to adhere to the uniform traffic codes - the rules - of this state. And the constitution has no bearing. She has two good working legs - let her walk.

[snippy_about_it]

BS, these people really think WE are going to conform to THEIR ways, BS. It only makes us angrier.

[mmmmmmmm....... donuts]

How about giving the option of a thumbprint? That a form of ID where she can wear her burqa.

[GRRRRR]

You need a Fl-DL to ride a camel??

Let's GRRRRoll'

[peteram]

The ACLU Doesn't have a leg to stand on!

In Florida (as well as other states, I'm sure), obtaining the ability to operate a motor vehicle on it's streets is a privilege accorded to a person by the state. It is not a right. No where in the Constitution of the United States does it say that man has an unalienable right to drive. This is NOT a constitutional issue. Therefore, the religious persuasion of the driver has no impact.

If a person gets stopped by the police and is deemed intoxicated via a field sobriety test, their license is confiscated and suspended on the spot, before the alleged offender even gets to court. Some would think that this violates the alleged offender's right to due process, but that is not the case at all. Because operating a motor vehicle is a privilege - not a right. The rights of the offender pertain - in this instance - only to the misdemeanor charge of DUI, for which due process is adhered to. The drivers license aspect is simply an administative procedure.

With this in mind, if this woman wants to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Florida, then she will have to show her face on the photo - or walk. There is no constitutional issue regarding religion here. She could be from the religion of Facially Covered Women from a Far Off Land, and it still wouldn't matter. If you desire to drive - you follow the rules - or you walk.

[bimbo]

She has a RIGHT to practice her religion.
She has NO RIGHT to drive - it is a PRIVELEGE.
She has a decision to make: wear the veil and forego the driving, or remove the veil for the picture and drive.

[Roy Tucker]

This is a try on to see if they get get legitimate ID and then anyone can use the drivers license even a man covered except the eyes. I hope Tom Ridge can see through this.

[TC Rider]

If she were in Saudi Arabia they would not only not issue her a license, they would probably lay a beating on her for even asking for one.

The Muslim community is looking for every opportunity to sue and line their pockets over supposed discrimination.

[VA Advogado]

Florida law says license applicants shall be issued "a color photographic or digital imaged drivers license bearing a full-face photograph."

ACLU lawyer Howard Marks argues that the law is vague. "I don't think the state statutes mandate a photograph," he said.

Good God, what part of FULL FACE is vague?

[Don Myers]

Driving is a privilege, not a right. The state can suspend licenses or not issue them for valid reasons. So, at question here is the right of the state to control who drives in their jurisdiction.

[jgrubbs]

What was the Orlando Sentinel thinking when they printed the picture of her license and included her address on it:

[The Energizer]

I read an article this past week that even the Taliban required actual photos on passports they issued. Even they realized that an actual photo is a requirement, despite the general prohibition on photographs of living beings. I hope the Fla. attorneys are aware of this (but I bet they don't know).

[Texbob]

If I had a face like hers, I would not want to show it either.

[SERE_DOC]

I'm too sexy for my burka,
too sexy for my niqab,
too sexy in the can
too sexy for the talaban.
too sexy for a man!
Too sexy for the rates
Too sexy for the states.