Gardaí deny racism behind decision on Sikh turban

GARDA bosses have denied racism was behind the decision not to allow a Sikh recruit wear a turban while on duty with the Garda Reserve.

The move was made, according to a statement issued yesterday evening, because of a fear that accommodating variations to the uniform may give an image of the force “which the Commissioner feels the public would not want”.

According to the statement issued in response to media comment on the refusal, and criticism from the Sikh community both here and abroad, the Garda Síochána has historically been seen as “providing an impartial police service, policing all sections of society equally”.