The Niqabi Paralegal

Since I was following this case in the early days of this blog, I thought I'd post this follow up story that was in the news recently. It's from the Orlando Sentinel. Freeman's appeal is now being heard. Check out the other posts in my face veils and identification category for my thoughts and perspectives on this case.

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Judges at the Fifth District Court of Appeal heard arguments today for and against a veiled Winter Park Muslim woman who refuses to unveil or show her face for a drivers license photograph.

The case of Sultaana Freeman attracted nationwide attention last year by pitting her religious beliefs against the security concerns of the state. At today's hearing attorneys for the state and for Freeman argued for about 15 minutes each before a three-judge panel.

The judges may issue an opinion months from now.

Howard Marks, Freeman's attorney, argued that the state should not substantially burden his client with the requirement that she appear without her veil on her drivers license. Conversely, Assistant Attorney General Jay Vail relied on the decision last year in an Orange County circuit court that favored the state's argument that 9-11 security concerns must outweigh a person's individual rights.

Orange County Circuit Judge Janet Thorpe last year sided with Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which originally had issued her a license with her wearing a veil in 2001, but later suspended it.