Judge rejects veil for photo ID

Published on 07/06/2003 01:00

A MUSLIM woman who cited religious reasons in refusing to remove her veil for a driver’s license photo must show her face for the camera if she wants her license reinstated, a Florida judge ruled yesterday.

Judge Janet Thorpe ruled that Florida has a compelling interest in identifying drivers who have been stopped and that photo images are essential to promote that interest.

"The requirement that all potential drivers have their driver’s license photos taken unveiled, uncloaked and unmasked does not unconstitutionally burden the free exercise of religion," the judge wrote. Sultaana Freeman had obtained a license picturing her with only her eyes uncovered in 2001, but she was ordered to obtain a new one.