Captain Sukhbir Toor, who with three other Sikhs sued the U.S. Marine Corps April 11, 2022. / Sikh Coalition
Denver Newsroom, Apr 13, 2022 / 15:41 pm (CNA).
A group of four Sikh men are seeking a religious exemption from the Marine Corps allowing them to keep the beards and turbans that they say are essential to the practice of their religion.
Sukhbir Singh Toor, Jaskirat Singh, Aekash Singh, and Milaap Singh Chahal on April 11 filed a lawsuit against the Marine Corps set to be adjudicated by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Toor is a Captain who shaved his hair and beard when he joined the Marines in 2017, after being told the Corps would not allow accommodations for him if he joined. In 2021, he requested an accommodation, which the Marines partially granted, but he still would not have been allowed to wear a beard while in “combat zones.”
The other three plaintiffs are prospective, qualified recruits to the Marines who have all had their requests for religious accommodation at least partially denied.
Unshorn hair — worn under a turban — and a beard are physical and external reminders to Sikhs to uphold their spiritual obligations to God, and removal of a Sikh’s hair is considered taboo in the monotheistic religion.
The Marine Corps has argued in the past that allowing turbans or beards could harm soldiers’ uniformity and thus their commitment to the Marines. They also have argued that allowing beards could hinder Marines’ ability effectively to wear gas masks.
As of January 2022, however, new recruits to the Marines can receive permanent beard accommodations for medical reasons, and they can wear full-sleeve tattoos and various new hairstyles, including during recruit training, the lawsuit argues.
“Defendants cannot possibly demonstrate a compelling government interest in requiring Plaintiffs to shave when they allow beards for a variety of other reasons, as well as other departures from strict uniformity, and have done so for decades,” the suit reads.
The lawsuit argues that militaries around the world, including key U.S. allies such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, and Australia, have “long found ways to accommodate observant Sikhs without compromising mission readiness.”
“Assertions that recruits can prove their fidelity to country and comrades only by betraying sacred promises they have made to God are precisely what the First Amendment’s Religion Clauses were designed to avert,” the lawsuit states.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberties, a public interest law firm which is supporting the plaintiffs, says Toor and the three recruits are asking the Marines to “allow them the same freedoms they seek to protect for their fellow Americans.”
“Many devout Sikh Americans serve in the military because their religious beliefs inspire them to defend the rights of others,” said Eric Baxter, Senior Counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberties.
“But all too often they have been forced to shave their religious beards, cut their hair, and forsake their other articles of faith to serve—all in violation of their sincere religious beliefs…Yet the Marines have recently relaxed other grooming standards to promote diversity: updating their dress code to better accommodate female recruits, allowing more diverse hairstyles, and loosening tattoo prohibitions. Beards are allowed for medical reasons.”
Other branches of the military have relaxed their restrictions on Sikh religious expression after lawsuits. In 2016, a federal court sided with a Sikh soldier working to secure a religious exemption for his beard and headwear under U.S. Army regulations. At the time, that soldier was the first active-duty combat soldier to be granted an exception to the Army’s grooming requirements. Since the ban was implemented in 1981, only three other Sikhs had been allowed to grow beards, and all served in non-combatant positions in the medical corps.
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Death penalty. / California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Wikipedia CC 2.0.
Denver, Colo., Jul 4, 2023 / 07:00 am (CNA).
Darryl Barwick was 19 years old when he killed 24-year-old Rebecca Wendt on March 31, 1986, at her Panama C… […]
The Catholic faithful gathered in the Cenacle in Jerusalem for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper that the Franciscan friars celebrated on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024. The Cenacle is at the center of strong tensions and disputes regarding ownership and rights of access and celebration. An ancient tradition places King David’s tomb here and over the centuries Jews and Muslims have leveraged this to first expel the Franciscans and then to prevent Christian worship, which they deemed sacrilegious. / Credit: Marinella Bandini
Jerusalem, Mar 28, 2024 / 17:15 pm (CNA).
On Holy Thursday, the doors of the Cenacle in Jerusalem were opened to welcome the Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land. In this “Upper Room,” called the Cenacle in the Holy Land, Jesus had his Last Supper, washed his apostles’ feet, and instituted the Eucharist.
It was here that the Franciscans celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, reenacting those same gestures. (At the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, however, the celebration is held on Thursday morning due to the Status Quo. Here is Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa’s homily from that Mass.)
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, kisses the feet of a Franciscan friar during the “Washing of the Feet” ritual at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrated at the Holy Sepulchre on Holy Thursday. The celebration is held on Thursday morning due to the Status Quo. March 28, 2024. Courtesy of the Custody of the Holy Land
The custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, presided over the Eucharistic celebration at the Cenacle. In his homily, before washing the feet of six teachers and six students from the Terra Sancta School in Jerusalem, he emphasized the value of the “new commandment” that Jesus gave to his apostles here: “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (Jn 13:34).
“To love means to give oneself and to serve,” he said. “In this celebration, we want to nourish ourselves with Jesus because if he is alive within us, then we too will become capable of loving one another as he loved us. And we also want to learn from Jesus not to be served but to serve.”
Some students from the Terra Sancta School in Jerusalem who took part in the “Washing of the Feet” ritual during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrated at the Cenacle in Jerusalem on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024. Addressing them specifically in his homily, the Custos of the Holy Land emphasized the value of the “new commandment” that Jesus gave to his apostles here: “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” (John 13:34). Credit: Marinella Bandini
Holy Thursday is the only day, along with Pentecost Sunday, when the Franciscans have the right to gather in the Upper Room to pray. Usually, it is a liturgy of the word, but since 2021 they have celebrated Mass. Outside, Israeli Army personnel ensure security.
The Cenacle is at the center of strong tensions and disputes regarding ownership and rights of access and celebration. An ancient tradition places King David’s tomb here, and over the centuries, Jews and Muslims have leveraged this place to first expel the Franciscans and then to prevent Christian worship, which they deem sacrilegious.
Father Narciso Klimas, historian and archivist of the Custody of the Holy Land, explained to CNA: “The Custody has all the documents confirming our ownership of Mount Zion.” Even today, traces of Christian presence are visible, both in the architecture of the place and in some symbols.
“The presence of the Franciscans at the Cenacle,” Klimas explained, “dates back to 1342, but as early as 1333, the rulers of Naples, Robert of Anjou and Sancha of Majorca, acquired the land and donated it to the friars. This was the first headquarters of the Custody of the Holy Land.” To this day, the official title of the Custos of the Holy Land is “Guardian of Mount Zion and the Holy Sepulchre.”
Father Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land, incenses the altar at the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper that the Franciscan friars celebrated inside the Cenacle in Jerusalem on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024. This is the only day, along with Pentecost Sunday, that the Franciscans have the right to gather here to pray. Usually, it is a liturgy of the word, but since 2021 they have celebrated Mass. Credit: Marinella Bandini
In 1421, a rabbi submitted a petition to the local emirs, claiming the right for Muslims and Jews to this place due to the presence of King David’s tomb. One hundred years later, Klimas continued, “the Ottomans used this argument to gradually expel the Franciscans, until in 1551 the sultan decreed the total expulsion of the Franciscans from Mount Zion.” The Cenacle first became a mosque and later, in the lower part, also a synagogue.
“Since then,” Klimas recounted, “the Franciscans have never stopped attempting to regain possession of the Cenacle. The friars have always tried to ensure a presence, at least on Holy Thursday and Pentecost, sometimes even with methods that are not exactly orthodox (such as bribing the local guardian).”
Something began to change in the 19th century, during the time of the Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid. Since then, the Franciscans have had the right to pray at the Cenacle on Holy Thursday and Pentecost. After a failed attempt in the 1930s to regain control of it, the friars managed to purchase adjacent land where they built the convent of San Francesco “ad Coenaculum” (next to the Cenacle).
In 1948, with the founding of the State of Israel, the entire Mount Zion came under Israeli control, and until today, the Israeli state owns the entire complex of the Cenacle. The neighborhood has a strong Jewish religious character and is characterized by the presence of synagogues and rabbinical schools.
The Franciscan friars and the faithful in the Armenian Cathedral of St. James in Jerusalem after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrated at the Cenacle. Here, the friars commemorate the hospitality they received here in the 16th century. After being expelled from the Cenacle, the Franciscans were welcomed by the Armenians for seven years while the convent of St. Saviour was purchased, to this day the headquarters of the Custody of the Holy Land. March 28, 2024. Credit: Marinella Bandini
“Even if the Cenacle cannot return to our hands,” Klimas explained, “we ask at least to celebrate regularly, even with pilgrims, without the need for special permits.”
Negotiations on these matters (taxation and property) have been ongoing for over 25 years between the Holy See and the State of Israel, following the signing of the Fundamental Agreement in 1993 and the agreement recognizing the legal personality of the Catholic Church in Israel in 1997.
Despite the slow pace of diplomatic negotiations, some practical progress can be observed informally. The ability to celebrate Mass on Holy Thursday at the Cenacle is among these developments. Permissions to access the site on other special occasions are usually granted without significant issues as well.
After the Mass at the Cenacle, as tradition dictates, the Franciscans proceeded in a procession to three churches in two other symbolic places: the Armenian churches of St. James and of the Holy Archangels (of the Armenian Apostolic Church), and the Syro-Orthodox Church of St. Mark.
The Franciscan friars and the faithful in the Armenian Church of the Holy Archangels in Jerusalem after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrated at the Cenacle on March 28, 2024. Friars and faithful pray together and receive the blessing from the representative of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Credit: Marinella Bandini
This yearly visit commemorates the hospitality the friars received in the 16th century. After being expelled from the Cenacle, the Franciscans were welcomed by the Armenians for seven years while the convent of St. Saviour was purchased, to this day the headquarters of the Custody of the Holy Land. Friars and faithful prayed together and received the blessing from the representative of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The Syriac Orthodox Church of St. Mark is said to be built on the house of Mary, the mother of the evangelist Mark. According to Syriac tradition, this is the place where Jesus had the Last Supper. Here as well, those present prayed together and were able to listen to the Lord’s Prayer sung in Aramaic by one of the monks, who then gave a blessing.
The Franciscan friars and the faithful in the Syro-Orthodox church of St. Mark in Jerusalem after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrated at the Cenacle on March 28, 2024. According to Syriac tradition, this is the upper room where Jesus had the Last Supper. Here as well, those present pray together and listen to the Lord’s Prayer sung in Aramaic by one of the monks, who then gives the blessing. Credit: Marinella Bandini
We read: “The Marine Corps has argued …that allowing beards could hinder Marines’ ability effectively to wear gas masks.”
In 1969 the new CNO (not among the top candidates for Chief on Naval Operations), Admiral Zumwalt, became famous for his regulation-cutting memos (Zgrams), including one that removed the prohibition of beards. But then he was informed that gas masks were worn for fighting shipboard fires, which do happen, and that beards (and long hair) broke the mask’s seal around the face and head, potentially endangering the lives of all onboard. One does not retreat down a back ally from a ship on fire and loaded to the gills with explosive weaponry.
Zumwalt rescinded his order. A worthy precedent. Moreover, the current safety standard for the Marines and Navy should apply to all in the service in the name of, what’s that word, oh yes, equity!
In this instance, the Becket Fund has its own head in the wrong place and should back out.
I am very much a proponent of freedom of religion. I am NOT supportive of people taking a job and then expecting the job to change to accommodate them, even for religious reasons. In addition the military requires above all else the ability to follow orders and conformity. It is not a haven for individuality. To get your own way and potentially endanger yourself or others is not the way to go. I am quite certain that many organizations have changed necessary and needed rules when faced with pressure from the woke crowd.I am glad to see some pushback from the military and I hope the military wins it’s case. Its too bad that the same common sense does not apply when women muscle their way into military or other jobs for which they are physically unsuited and are a handicap to their fellow soldiers. All thanks to woke ideology. When common sense fails, death prevails.
LJ: Does that include allowing troops, even in theatre, time off for church? That type of religious accommodation happens everyday in the military. Or are you against accommodations for only certain religions? Religious accommodations have nothing to do with “woke ideology” but rather meeting the needs of one’s troops to serve well.
I regret that I think the Becket Fund stepped the wrong way here. I’ll tolerate detracting from uniformity for religious concerns; the gas mask creates a problem. By the article, this Marine holds the rank of Captain; he’s a likely combat leader. …He can’t lead anyone if he’s killed in combat for want of a good gas mask seal. Even a “non-combat” zone can suddenly be immersed in combat should an enemy inflict a surprise attack. I think this man would do well to reconsider his priorities.
The Becket Fund is right to defend the rights of Sikhs. Sikhs have a long and proud history of serving in the military. Moreover, in Commonwealth nations that have large Sikh populations like the UK and Canada, Sikhs have long been allowed to serve wearing turbans and beards. As a former officer in the Canadian Armed Forces I was very happy to serve with Sikh Canadians. They are excellent soldiers and good, hard working people. Canada sent the third largest fighting force to Afghanistan. This included many Canadian Sikh soldiers. They served bravely and honourably. In fact, Canada served in one of the most violent areas of Afghanistan during the war (Kandahar Province). Canadian officers also led and commanded US soldiers under joint command operations (for example look up Operation Medusa). Some of those officers were Sikh Canadians wearing turbans etc. Instead of automatically saying “no”…why not ask how your allies do it. I think any fears of allowing Sikhs to serve wearing their traditional attire are completely without warrant.
We read: “The Marine Corps has argued …that allowing beards could hinder Marines’ ability effectively to wear gas masks.”
In 1969 the new CNO (not among the top candidates for Chief on Naval Operations), Admiral Zumwalt, became famous for his regulation-cutting memos (Zgrams), including one that removed the prohibition of beards. But then he was informed that gas masks were worn for fighting shipboard fires, which do happen, and that beards (and long hair) broke the mask’s seal around the face and head, potentially endangering the lives of all onboard. One does not retreat down a back ally from a ship on fire and loaded to the gills with explosive weaponry.
Zumwalt rescinded his order. A worthy precedent. Moreover, the current safety standard for the Marines and Navy should apply to all in the service in the name of, what’s that word, oh yes, equity!
In this instance, the Becket Fund has its own head in the wrong place and should back out.
I am very much a proponent of freedom of religion. I am NOT supportive of people taking a job and then expecting the job to change to accommodate them, even for religious reasons. In addition the military requires above all else the ability to follow orders and conformity. It is not a haven for individuality. To get your own way and potentially endanger yourself or others is not the way to go. I am quite certain that many organizations have changed necessary and needed rules when faced with pressure from the woke crowd.I am glad to see some pushback from the military and I hope the military wins it’s case. Its too bad that the same common sense does not apply when women muscle their way into military or other jobs for which they are physically unsuited and are a handicap to their fellow soldiers. All thanks to woke ideology. When common sense fails, death prevails.
LJ: Does that include allowing troops, even in theatre, time off for church? That type of religious accommodation happens everyday in the military. Or are you against accommodations for only certain religions? Religious accommodations have nothing to do with “woke ideology” but rather meeting the needs of one’s troops to serve well.
I regret that I think the Becket Fund stepped the wrong way here. I’ll tolerate detracting from uniformity for religious concerns; the gas mask creates a problem. By the article, this Marine holds the rank of Captain; he’s a likely combat leader. …He can’t lead anyone if he’s killed in combat for want of a good gas mask seal. Even a “non-combat” zone can suddenly be immersed in combat should an enemy inflict a surprise attack. I think this man would do well to reconsider his priorities.
The Becket Fund is right to defend the rights of Sikhs. Sikhs have a long and proud history of serving in the military. Moreover, in Commonwealth nations that have large Sikh populations like the UK and Canada, Sikhs have long been allowed to serve wearing turbans and beards. As a former officer in the Canadian Armed Forces I was very happy to serve with Sikh Canadians. They are excellent soldiers and good, hard working people. Canada sent the third largest fighting force to Afghanistan. This included many Canadian Sikh soldiers. They served bravely and honourably. In fact, Canada served in one of the most violent areas of Afghanistan during the war (Kandahar Province). Canadian officers also led and commanded US soldiers under joint command operations (for example look up Operation Medusa). Some of those officers were Sikh Canadians wearing turbans etc. Instead of automatically saying “no”…why not ask how your allies do it. I think any fears of allowing Sikhs to serve wearing their traditional attire are completely without warrant.