Madam, - The London Metropolitan Police Sikh Association's branding of the Garda authorities refusal to allow for the wearing of the turban as "racial discrimination" (August 21st) is surely a nonsense in language and law. Members of the Garda Síochána wear a secular-style uniform and, it appears, the Garda will not allow for any altering of same notwithstanding anyone's religious beliefs, be they Muslim, Catholic, Sikh, Protestant etc.
Given that discrimination is the treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favour or against, a person or thing based on the group, class or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit, how can the refusal of the Garda authorities to consider or make any distinction in uniform for any group within the force constitute discrimination?
You could indeed argue that the decision was not particularly sensitive of religious diversity, and I myself would support the individual in being allowed retain his traditional head-dress, but making nonsensical assertions, such as those by the Metropolitan Police Sikh Association, is surely not the way to bring this about. - Yours, etc,
GAVIN McSPADDEN, Grattan Court, Lower Salthill, Galway.
Madam, - It appears Minister of State Conor Lenihan opened a Pandora's box when he defended An Garda Síochána's decision, which barred a Sikh recruit from wearing his traditional turban while on duty. I understand a male follower of the Sikh religion is required to wear the turban as a sign of religious commitment.
The current controversy continues with opinions regarding individual rights verses the rules of a Government organisation being bandied about the news media without an end in sight.
To my mind a simple solution to this issue is easily within the grasp of the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána.
To my knowledge it's not counter to any religious belief to wear a turban. Therefore the Commissioner, with the stroke of a pen, could end the ongoing debate simply by ordering the current Garda cap obsolete and having it replaced with a regulation turban for ALL current and future members of the force. - Yours, etc,
EDWARD D RAFFERTY, Castlebridge, Co Wexford.
Madam, - Brendan Butler (Letters, August 21st) cites the example of the British police as a justification for a Sikh reservist to be allowed to wear a turban while on duty. While the British model of multiculturalism is nothing short of a disaster, perhaps he might also consider this is the same police force that excused a Muslim officer from duty outside the Israeli embassy in London.
Those in favour of members of the force wearing turbans, yarmulkas, hijabs, crucifixes or anything else of that ilk might ask themselves about the separation of powers between the State and religion in a modern society. No one should be allowed wear any overt symbols of religion while carrying out work for the State. - Yours, etc,
ULTAN Ó BROIN, South Circular Road, Dublin 8.
Madam, - The Garda Reserve is a secular force, upholding temporal law. There is no place in this role for the display of religious iconography of any creed. - Yours, etc,
STEPHEN BARRETT, de Vesci Hill, Abbeyleix, Co Laois.