Enlisted Sikh Becomes First in 30 Years to Win Right to Wear Faith Articles in Army
For the first time in more than 30 years, the U.S. military has allowed an enlisted Sikh soldier to maintain his religiously mandated turban, beard and hair while serving in the Army. A team of lawyers at McDermott Will & Emery and attorneys at the Sikh Coalition also won one-time exceptions last year for two Sikh Army officers. The teams' efforts have spurred interest in Congress; in the past year, more than 50 members have written to military officials requesting that Sikhs be accepted into the U.S. Armed Forces.
By Marcia Coyle | September 03, 2010 at 12:00 AM
For the first time in more than 30 years, the U.S. military has allowed an enlisted Sikh soldier to maintain his religiously mandated turban, beard and hair while serving in the Army.