Georgia's Attorney General Thurbert E. Baker says he supports changing court rules to permit the wearing of religious garments, including the Islamic hijab, in courtrooms. A press release yesterday by CAIR says that Baker wrote in response to CAIR's request for sanctions against a Douglasville (GA) judge who has barred from his courtroom Muslim women wearing religious headscarves. (See prior posting.) Baker wrote that policies "must be designed in such a way so as not to unnecessarily or inappropriately infringe on individuals' rights to observe their religious practices, including the wearing of religious garments...[I]t is difficult to imagine a security concern that could not be addressed in a way that would also accommodate an individual's religious practices related to dress. Religious freedom is a cornerstone of this nation's constitution and should be vigorously protected." Baker also sent a copy of his letter to the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission.
UPDATE: AP reported on Wednesday that Douglasville police officers, as well as city employees who work with the court, will be given sensitivity training, focusing on court restrictions and on special accommodations (such as hearings outside the court room) that are available. Also courtroom decorum rules will be posted around the building.
