Posted on Dec 26, 2022
Sikh men can serve in the Marine Corps without shaving their beards, court says
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https://www.npr.org/2022/12/24/ [login to see] /sikh-marine-corps-beards-court-religion-army-military-marines
A federal court has ruled that the Marine Corps cannot deny entry to Sikhs because of their unshorn beards and hair.
The Marine Corps told three Sikh men that they could serve only if they shaved before going through basic training. Most Sikh men don't cut their hair as a sign of their religious commitment. But to serve in the military satisfies another aspect of their faith.
"They believe, as part of their religious duty, in defending the rights of others," lawyer Eric Baxter, who represents the men, told NPR. "[Sikhs] have served for a long time in militaries around the world, including in the United States, with all of their articles of faith in place."
The District of Columbia's federal appeals court decided that the three are entitled to serve. The Sikh Coalition is campaigning to allow Sikhs to practice their religious customs while serving in the U.S. military. More than 100 members of Congress and 27 retired generals support the group's cause.
A federal court has ruled that the Marine Corps cannot deny entry to Sikhs because of their unshorn beards and hair.
The Marine Corps told three Sikh men that they could serve only if they shaved before going through basic training. Most Sikh men don't cut their hair as a sign of their religious commitment. But to serve in the military satisfies another aspect of their faith.
"They believe, as part of their religious duty, in defending the rights of others," lawyer Eric Baxter, who represents the men, told NPR. "[Sikhs] have served for a long time in militaries around the world, including in the United States, with all of their articles of faith in place."
The District of Columbia's federal appeals court decided that the three are entitled to serve. The Sikh Coalition is campaigning to allow Sikhs to practice their religious customs while serving in the U.S. military. More than 100 members of Congress and 27 retired generals support the group's cause.
Sikh men can serve in the Marine Corps without shaving their beards, court says
Posted from npr.org
Marines
Tradition
Religion
India
Culture
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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Just like there are Orthodox Jews and reform jews, there are also Orthodox Sikhs and regular s i k h men who do shave and don't wear the turban. Don't call me racist because I work with both types at my job.
If they go into combat and if chemical warfare is expected, those men will shave their beards.
If you have to put on your J list / Mopp 4 chemical suit in a real chemical attack, there may not be time to shave and those men will die!
If they go into combat and if chemical warfare is expected, those men will shave their beards.
If you have to put on your J list / Mopp 4 chemical suit in a real chemical attack, there may not be time to shave and those men will die!
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