LONDON, UK—The Sikh Network, a UK based organization has produced guidelines for airports on how to respectfully treat the dastaar (Sikh turban).  The guidelines have been issued following two recent high profile incidents of disrespect of the dastaar at airports in Mexico City and San Francisco.

In a press statement, Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) said –

The Sikh Federation (UK) was instrumental in working with the UK Government between 2010 and 2013 in establishing the new procedure and allowing it to be used across Europe. The procedure not only ensures the highest level of security, but also full respect for Sikhs wearing the dastaar and others wearing headwear for religious or cultural reasons.

The universal guidance is an important first step, but will need to accompanied by appropriate training for security staff at airports and for suitable equipment and facilities to be readily available.

The two recent incidents in Mexico City and San Francisco involved Sikh actor Waris Ahluwalia who was barred from getting on a AeroMexico flight to New York because of his dastaar and Toronto-based Sikh comedian Jasmeet Singh, better known online as ‘JusReign’ who was forced to take off his turban at San Francisco airport.

The guidelines prepared by the Sikh Network in conjunction with the Sikh Federation UK are available here.