(ANAHEIM, CA, 12/28/16) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today welcomed Long Beach Police Department's proposal to change its policy to allow Muslim women to wear headscarves while in custody.
The proposal of the policy change comes in light of the lawsuit CAIR-LA Civil Rights Attorney Yalda Satar filed earlier this year, in conjunction with First Amendment and Human Rights attorney Carey Shenkman, on behalf of Kirsty Powell, the Muslim woman who allegedly had her religious head scarf (hijab) forcibly removed by a male officer of the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).
SEE: Long Beach police change policy will allow Muslim women to wear headscarves while in custody| Long Beach Press Telegram
SEE: CAIR-LA files suit on behalf of Muslim woman stripped of hijab by Long Beach police officers
"While we welcome the proposal of the LBPD to change their policy to protect religious rights, we are adamant about seeing the department follow through on creating and implementing a sound policy that accommodates religious headwear," said CAIR-LA Civil Rights Attorney Yalda Satar.
Powell's attorneys are preparing to have their case heard before the Federal District Court of California.
Attorney Carey Shenkman maintains that despite the proposal, "we are still going to press forward for our client to get the justice she deserves."
CAIR offers a booklet, called “A Law Enforcement Official’s Guide to the Muslim Community,” which outlines basic information about Islamic beliefs that are relevant to law enforcement. It also cover issues such as the rights of Muslim law enforcement officers, religiously-sensitive techniques for body searches, proper etiquette for entering Muslim homes, and advice on outreach to the Islamic community.
SEE: A Law Enforcement Official’s Guide to the Muslim Community
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Ojaala Ahmad, oahmad@cair.com, 714-851-4851