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Is it normal to expect a nation to change it's laws to accommodate someone's religious beliefs?
Should Muslim women be allowed head scarfs on their DL photos, when everybody else must remove all head wear?
Well I have no issues if they want to wear a head scarf as long as it doesn't obstruct their face.
Where there are legal requirements for photo identification documents in place to ensure a good level of security, they should be adhered to and applied to everybody equally.
I notice that, in the UK at least, there is a bit of a bias. In the 'passport photo requirements' page of the government website, there is the specific point;
"without a head covering (unless it’s worn for religious or medical reasons)"
I do see this as discrimination. Why is it permissible for a Jewish man to wear a kippah, or a Muslim woman to wear a hijab, but I can't wear a simple hat? If it doesn't obscure the face and isn't in some way absurd/offensive, where's the harm?
I expect they included the clause out of oversensitivity, without considering the implication for everyone left out by it. So in that case, I think they've got it wrong.
As for the bigger question, "IIN to expect a nation to change it's laws to accommodate someone's religious beliefs?" The answer is 'yes - as long as the laws do not discriminate against the majority in favour of the minority.'
If they wear it all the time anyways, doesn't it make sense in a way for their DL photo to have it as well. It'd make it easier to identify people without asking them to take their religious headdress off.
It still should be one rule for all, no exceptions, when it comes to some things, like id's. After all, what's the point of an id that can't be used to identify somebody?
A DL isn't required, it's a choice to get one, so I think the same rules should apply for everyone. If the government requires you to have a certain form of ID just for existing, only then should exceptions for religion come into play if that same government affords you religious freedom.
You know there's a HUGE debate going on about this in France at the moment, I think Europe's only starting to realize now how many Muslims they have
That's a tricky question. I was first tempted to say yes because as they are always wearing scarf it would be easier to compare the photo with the person. I really don't know what to answer. It's yes and no.
A visitor or migrant to a country should obey the laws of that country. If the laws of that country cause distress to visitors and there is little harm in changing them, the country should consider it.
On both sides, it is about respect.