By Kelli Hernandez
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES (VALDOSTA, Ga.)
VALDOSTA, Ga.
July 12, 2007 10:56 am
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Refusal to allow a Muslim woman to enter a courtroom while wearing a scarf over her head led to a meeting of city officials and representatives for the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Georgia Association of Muslim Lawyers.
The topic was the city’s policy regarding the inspection and wearing of religious headscarves in local courtrooms.
A “spirit of cooperation” from all sides led to a productive meeting, according to CAIR communications coordinator Rabiah Ahmed.
“We made progress, and we are optimistic that the city and the court will do the right thing in this case,” Ahmed said.
During the meeting, city officials explained their policy and discussed in detail the interpretation and administration of that policy. The city also reaffirmed its position that its officials acted in good faith and in accordance with the law, according to a statement released by the city’s public information office.
“The city of Valdosta Municipal Court will continue to conduct court proceedings based upon the policy and its interpretation as discussed today (Wednesday),” the statement said. “The city will always consider suggestions that respect courtroom safety, but will also accommodate, to the extent reasonably possible, the varying religious practices of our increasingly diverse community.”
Representing the city at the meeting were City Attorneys George Talley and Tim Tanner, Chief Superior Court Judge Arthur McLane and Municipal Court Judge Vernita Lee Bender.
CAIR requested the meeting with the city after being contacted by Aniisa Karim, who was denied access to the Municipal Courtroom in June to contest a speeding ticket because she was wearing a traditional Islamic headscarf even after explaining to security that she wears the garment for religious purposes.
Karim, a Baltimore native who works for a local radio station, was not present at Wednesday’s meeting, but has remained in contact with CAIR representatives.
“We met with her before and after the meeting and she is very well aware of what is going on,” Ahmed said. “After all, she is the reason why we are all here.”
After being barred from the courtroom, Karim chose to plead nolo contendere and pay a $168 fine.
The city’s statement also reaffirmed that any appropriately filed motion regarding Karim’s case would be considered.
CAIR and GAML contend that the city’s actions violated Karim’s First and 14th Amendment rights to free religion and equal protection under the law.
The Washington and Atlanta-based groups also argue that denial of access to the courtroom based on a religious practice is discriminatory and in violation of Title III of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Discussions between the city and the two groups are expected to continue, although no date has been set for a second meeting.
Kelli Hernandez writes for The Valdosta (Ga.) Daily Times.
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