CAIR-MI, Co-Plaintiff in Suit Against Judge for Hijab Ban in Court
The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) scheduled a news conference Wednesday, August 26th to announce the filing of a federal lawsuit against Wayne County Circuit Judge William Callahan. The Muslim plaintiff says she felt so intimidated by the judge's repeated demand that she eventually removed her headscarf.
"The judge's actions contradict both the constitutional right to freedom of religion and President Obama's recent statement in support of the right to wear hijab," said CAIR-MI Attorney Melanie Elturk. "This judge targeted a Muslim woman's religious attire, but he could just as easily have demanded the removal of a Sikh turban, Jewish yarmulke or a Catholic nun's habit."
Judge Callahan's demand came one month after the Michigan Supreme Court voted to give judges full discretion over courtroom attire.
Video of Judge Callahan's Courtroom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2HGQnC0HQI&feature=channel\
Press Conference Coverage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOfToqaKNCg&feature=PlayList&p=D75EE8727BBC1F13&index=0
The Detroit News
Detroit Free Press
CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/08/25/michigan.court.appearance.rule/
Islamonline.net
Channel 7 News
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Higt6rgArx4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX_jdCW0fB0
Channel 4 News
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/20557402/detail.html#video