Sikhs Battle Montreal Port Authority Over Hard Hats

CTV.ca reported yesterday that in Canada a new religious liberty dispute between Sikhs and the government has arisen after the province of Quebec enacted legislation requiring all truck drivers coming into the Port of Montreal to wear hard hats. Sikh truck drivers say that wearing a helmet violates their religious obligation not to remove their dastaars (turbans). Prithvi Saluja, a Quebec Sikh, argues that throughout history Sikhs have performed dangerous tasks without helmets. However, France Poulin, from the Montreal's Port Authority, says that the issue is one of worker safety. In some cases, terminal operators have permitted Sikh truck drivers wearing turbans to enter the port, but have requried them to remain in their trucks. In other cases, entry has been denied.