Sikhs to protest in Parliament Square.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.independen...ect-demo-2360749.html

Should the Sikhs be allowed the privilege of not to having their turbans hand searched at airports?

After all every male can be asked to remove his trousers if necessary, all in the name of security.

It seems though that tolerant Britain is once again taking the initiative by putting the rest of Europe's airport security right.

/// Aviation Minister Theresa Villiers said: "I fully recognise the cultural and religious sensitivities surrounding the touching of a Sikh's turban, which is why this Government acted swiftly when the Sikh community expressed concern about new EU rules on the searching of turbans at airports. ///

/// "I have also written to ministers across Europe with responsibility for aviation security to explain this trial and to underline the importance the UK attaches to resolving this issue."///

[boxtops]

I'm with the Sikhs on this one - if they have passed through body scanners and the density of the turban allows the officials to see that there is only a head inside the turban, why should they take it off?

Personally I find the ritual of having to take off coats and jackets when going through the scanner equally irritating - surely the scanner can scan through several layers?

[naomi24]

Security is paramount. No one should be exempt for any reason.

[RATTER15]

As far as im concerned, if they dont like our customs and laws, they need only pass through customs once, and that is on their way out!

Im not in any way racist but they need to abide by our rules and laws!!

[boxtops]

Some of them live here, born and bred here, though, ratter - they're not visiting, they are British citizens. I agree that security is paramount but I'd have thought that technology had already found a solution for seeing through clothing. Don't those new body scanners already show through to your underwear?

[RATTER15]

I accept what you are saying boxtops, it is irritating but im sure they only do it if they feel they need to, they wouldn't be doing it just to upset people. I dont know what the reasons are but im sure they have their reasons.

and would you protest in parliament square just because they asked you to remove your coat?

[boxtops]

ratter, no I wouldn't, it's a fact of modern life.

[RATTER15]

I know a lot are born here, that does not prevent them from buying a one way ticket!

[naomi24]

//Some of them live here, born and bred here//

That applies equally to some of the Muslim bombers, Boxy. How do you know people like that aren't slipping through security dressed as Sikhs? One rule for all is the only way. No exceptions.

[boxtops]

I know, naomi - and I agree - but I'm just surprised that there aren't devices in common use which can see through several layers of fabric, to avoid all this.

[gadgetgeek]

Following recent events overseas where turbans have been used by suicide bombers then it is only fair that turbans are checked providing it is done in a sensitive manner. No one person and no one religion is above the law in keeping everyone safe as possible. Is a terrorist black or white? Muslim, Sikh or Christian? Male or female? Young or old etc? The answers to these is yes yes to all. Security measures are a pain b that is a trade off for the way in which we chose to live.

[gadgetgeek]

Further to earlier answers the scanners at an airport look for metal not for explosives that can be moulded and disguised in a variety of ways. Only specialised equipment pick up traces of explosives or an x ray machine which can highlight areas of interest.

[gsr600]

Why not - I have to remove my glasses & crash helmet to get petrol for my motorbike at Morrisons - that is security surely-- in case i don't pay for the under £20 worth that i could steal.

[naomi24]

Boxy, perhaps we should give them a choice. Remove the turban - or go through the full body scanner and reveal yourself in your birthday suit! Frankly, I don't see why money should be spent on special security arrangements for anyone. If they want to travel, then they must abide by the same rules as everyone else.

[RATTER15]

gsr600, will you and all your motorcycle buddies be marching in parliament square protesting. No I thought not :)

Its an inconvenience, get over it!!!!

Its all a load of nonsense, dont let them get away with it.

[THECORBYLOON]

If they passed through a scanner, why do they need to remote their turbans? Would yous be okay if a pregnant woman was asked to strip to prove her "bump" was genuine?

[anotheoldgit]

/// Would yous be okay if a pregnant woman was asked to strip to prove her "bump" was genuine? ///

Even if they had to, I don't suppose for oner minute that we would see Trafalgar Square full of protesting pregnant women.

[naomi24]

Corbyloon, If they passed through a scanner, they wouldn't need to remove their turbans. That's the point. I see no mention of anyone being asked to strip - and I see no reason why an apparently pregnant woman shouldn't be asked to go through a full body scanner if the security people felt it was warranted.

[sandyRoe]

Are Sikhs still allowed to ride motorcycles without wearing a helmet?

[anotheoldgit]

Yes

[THECORBYLOON]

Naomi, the report is about Sikhs who HAVE been through a scanner and have them been asked to remove their turbans. Aog, why do assume they would not protest?