Becket Fund Defends Muslim Police Officers' Right to Wear BeardsJun 22, 1998 On Thursday, June 25, 1998 Becket Fund President & General Counsel Kevin J. Hasson argued in Fraternal Order of Police v. City of Newark, No. 97-5542 before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The case is the City of Newark's appeal from a U.S. District court order requiring it to permit city police officers who are Muslims to grow beards for religious reasons. (The city permits officers with sensitive skin to grow beards for medical reasons, but refuses to allow beards for religious reasons.) The Becket Fund, which supports the police officers, argued as amicus curiae, by special leave of court.
"Once the city began making special exceptions for other reasons it should make exceptions for religious reasons, too," said Hasson. "It is truly appalling that Newark is spending its citizens' money appealing this case. Its bad enough that they refuse their police officers' request in the first place. But stubbornly spending tax dollars to appeal the district court's order really adds insult to injury," he added.
The Becket Fund is a bi-partisan and ecumenical public interest law form that protects the free expression of all religious traditions. Relevant Cases
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