The Irish Independent reports today that a Sikh member of the Garda Reserve will be prohibited from wearing his ceremonial headdress (turban) while on duty. Minister for Integration, Conor Lenihan, has backed the ruling.

The decision is in contrast to the positions of other forces, such as the London Metropolitan Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who allow Sikh members to wear their turbans, a vital part of the rules of their religion. Sikh men are prohibited from cutting their hair or appearing in public without the turban.

It is not clear whether the Garda Reserve member in question will continue with the force or resign his post.

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