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)?
Minnesota Rules, Table of Chapters
Table of contents for Chapter 7410
7410.1800 DRIVER'S LICENSE PHOTOGRAPH.
Subpart 1. Purpose. The purpose of this part is to provide for a method of identification on a driver's license in lieu of a photograph for persons with religious objections to being photographed.
Subp. 2. Scope. The scope of this part is intended to be consistent with Minnesota Statutes 1971, section 171.071.
Subp. 3. Issuance of driver's license without photograph. Procedures for issuing a driver's license without a photograph are:
A. Any person having religious objections to being photographed and to the use of a photograph as a means of identification may apply to the director of motor vehicle service for issuance of a driver's license valid without photograph.
B. In order to qualify for a driver's license valid without photograph, an applicant must present to the motor vehicle services director a signed certificate or statement that the taking of a photograph and its use as identification violates the tenets and beliefs of the applicant's religion. The certificate or statement must accompany the regular application for driver's license or renewal of license.
Subp. 4. Specifications for driver's license valid without photograph. The driver's license issued to qualified applicants having religious objections to the use of a photograph shall be the same as the classified photo license, except, in the space normally occupied by the photograph of the licensee, the following shall appear:
VALID WITHOUT
PHOTO IN
COMPLIANCE WITH
Minnesota Statutes,
section 171.071
AND Minnesota Rules,
part 7410.1800
STAT AUTH: MS s 171.071
HIST: 17 SR 1279
Current as of 10/18/01