MAIL ONLINE: Women police officers are being issued with headscarves to wear when they visit a mosque.
They are expected to put the scarfs [sic] on shortly before they enter the mosque, in keeping with Islamic custom.
There are two versions - one matches the black of a police officer's uniform, while another goes with the blue uniforms worn by community support officers.
The headscarves are being given out by Avon and Somerset Police, and have the force's emblem sewn on.
They have already been given to seven officers, including Assistant Chief Constable Jackie Roberts, and eight community support officers who work with Muslim groups in the area.
Mrs Roberts said: 'It recognises and respects the cultural and religious practices of our communities. This is a very positive addition to the uniform and one which I'm sure will be a welcome item for many of our officers.'
The force said the scarves, which cost £13, can be used in other religious settings as a mark of respect - for instance to cover the shoulders of a non-uniformed officer in a church.
Islamic custom expects women to cover their head inside a place of worship.
During an official visit last year, the Queen wore a headscarf to tour the crypt and caverns of an historic Islamic shrine in Turkey.
Rashad Azami, Imam and director of the Bath Islamic Society, said: 'It is highly pleasing to see that Avon and Somerset Constabulary is introducing specially designed head coverings for female officers. Very PC police force issues its WPCs with Muslim headscarves complete with badge for mosque visits >>> James Slack, Home Affairs Editor | Tuesday, July 28, 2009
My comment on this story which the Mail Online has refused to print:
Year, 2050: Ha! Ha! Ha! By the grace of Allah and the weakness and stupidity of the British, we have taken the country over! Important announcement: Burqas will now be mandatory for all women, hijabs will no longer be adequate. Our sisters in Islam are warned that showing any hair in public is a very serious offence, punishable by a beating.
Londonistan, The Islamic Republic of Britain
MA
