US Marine Corps allows Sikh officer to wear turban, but sets limitations

A 26-year-old Sikh-American officer, Sukhbir Toor, in the United States Marine Corps has been allowed to wear the turban, but with a few limitations. He now plans to sue the Corps if he is not granted full religious accommodation, say reports. First Lt Sukhbir Toor's turban is a first in the 246-year history of the US Marine Corps, which has almost never allowed deviations from its hallowed image. “I finally don’t have to pick which life I want to commit to, my faith or my country. I can be who I am and honour both sides,” Toor reportedly said in an interview. Also Read | Punjab Cabinet Expansion: Balbir Singh Sidhu counters Cong high command, asks reason for his ouster as Cabinet minister However, Sukhbir Toor, who grew up in Washington and Ohio and is the son of Indian immigrants, has been allowed to wear the turban while on duty with limitations. He “can wear a turban in daily dress at normal duty stations, but not while deployed to a conflict zone, or when in dress uniform in a ceremonial unit, where the public could see it.”

Toor’s request to wear the turban went all the way to “top Marine Corps authorities”. Their initial response in June was largely a denial of his request, the report said. Sikh-American officer said the limits meant that “I would have to either sacrifice my career or my ability to practice my religion.” Toor appealed to the commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Corps agreed partially, allowing him to wear the turban with certain limitations, according to the report. -With inputs from agencies