Officials of United States issued an apology after security department at Detroit airport urged a Canadian Cabinet Minister to remove his turban.
Navdeep Singh Bains, Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development described the incident saying, “I went through all the security checks without revealing identity as a minister. I did it knowingly, as is my habit, to understand better what ordinary people are going through when they sometimes have trouble getting along with people in a position of authority.”
When he reached the boarding gate, less than 20 minutes before departure, a security guard approached and asked him to go back to security as protocol has not been followed asking him to remove the turban.
“I politely replied that I did not represent a security threat and that I had passed all security checks. The security guard then asked for my name and identification. I reluctantly handed him my diplomatic passport.”
He further stated, “As a Sikh, wearing the turban is considered one of the most dutiful acts for a person of faith and I am proud to represent my community. Unfortunately these types of incidents do occur from time to time to minorities in particular. But it should never become a norm.”
The US Transportation Security Administration passed a regulation in 2007 announcing a new screening process that will apply to all religious head coverings at U.S airports. The new procedure planned to detect non-metallic objects, not allowing a Transport Security Administration to touch Sikh’s turban unless Sikh traveler gives screener permission to do so.
“We regret the screening experience did not meet the expectations of Mr. Bains. Upon review of airport closed-circuit video, we determined that the officer conducting the screening did not allow standard operating procedures and therefore received additional training,” said Michelle Negron, Transportation Security Authority Spokesperson.
The incident caused US officials to apologize Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada over the telephone.
By Sowmya
