http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/US-Sikh-soldier-wins-long-term-nod-to-sport-turban-beard/articleshow/51666841.cms
WASHINGTON: In a landmark decision, the US military granted a decorated Sikh-American officer a long-term religious accommodation allowing him to continue serving while maintaining his articles of faith of keeping a beard and wearing a turban.
The move makes Captain Simratpal Singh, 28, a combat veteran, the first active duty Sikh soldier to receive approval to maintain his articles of faith while actively serving in the US army. Singh was in December last year granted a temporary religious accommodation to serve in the US army. In February, with the temporary accommodation set to expire, the army insisted he undergoes extensive testing to make sure his beard and hair wouldn't interfere with his helmet or gas mask.
Singh filed a suit citing religious discrimination. A judge ruled that the army couldn't impose the individualised testing on Singh and ordered the service to decide on his request by March 31. On Thursday, in a court ruling, Singh was finally granted a permanent accommodation, with the army saying in a document that it would only be revoked if the beard and turban affected "unit cohesion and morale, good order and discipline, health and safety".
US Sikh soldier wins long-term nod to sport turban, beard
Apr 3, 2016, 06.18 AM ISTWASHINGTON: In a landmark decision, the US military granted a decorated Sikh-American officer a long-term religious accommodation allowing him to continue serving while maintaining his articles of faith of keeping a beard and wearing a turban.
The move makes Captain Simratpal Singh, 28, a combat veteran, the first active duty Sikh soldier to receive approval to maintain his articles of faith while actively serving in the US army. Singh was in December last year granted a temporary religious accommodation to serve in the US army. In February, with the temporary accommodation set to expire, the army insisted he undergoes extensive testing to make sure his beard and hair wouldn't interfere with his helmet or gas mask.
Singh filed a suit citing religious discrimination. A judge ruled that the army couldn't impose the individualised testing on Singh and ordered the service to decide on his request by March 31. On Thursday, in a court ruling, Singh was finally granted a permanent accommodation, with the army saying in a document that it would only be revoked if the beard and turban affected "unit cohesion and morale, good order and discipline, health and safety".
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