Sikhs Ask Pentagon To End Ban on Turbans
Say recently relaxed rules don't go far enough
The Pentagon's recent decision to relax rules allowing religious wear does not go far enough, say some Sikh Americans who are going to Congress for help.
More than 20 lawmakers have now signed onto a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, asking him to "end the presumptive ban" on all Sikh articles of faith.
"Sikh Americans love this country and want a fair chance to serve in our nation's military," said Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.), who is leading the effort, in a statement Thursday.
The new Pentagon guidance, issued Wednesday, allows commanders to accommodate individual's expressions of "sincerely held beliefs" that would include wearing religious clothing, beards, tattoos and piercings.