COSTA MESA, February 8, 2007 - A national Sikh-American advocacy group has asked a bar for an apology and a policy change after its owner allegedly refused to let a man enter because his turban violated a dress code prohibiting hats.
"This is blatantly discriminatory," Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund director Rajbir Singh Datta said this week. "You're trying to have fun with your friends, and you're forced to stay outside because of your religion."
Sanjum Paul Singh Samagh, a 24-year-old University of California, Irvine, medical student, said the Pierce Street Annex bar turned him away on Jan. 25 when he refused to remove his black cotton turban, or dastaar.
Samagh said he tried to explain to owner Doug Adsit that he wears the headpiece for religious reasons, but that Adsit refused to make an exception.
2007-02-08 07:25:44 · 11 answers · asked by emely o 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Yeah, that's pretty lame. Everyone would be up in arms if someone was told they had to remove their cross before being allowed in an establishment. Would it really have been such a big deal to let the guy wear his turban?
2007-02-08 07:31:20 · answer #1 · answered by M L 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
YES! Obviously this man is not only racist but ignorant. How dare he put a Sikh turban in the hat category. Refusing to let him in because of a no hat policy? I hope people show support and boycott this place. I know I will tell anyone I know not to go into this racist joint. What if the guy had been wearing a yamaka? Would his policy still stand knowing that this is also a widely known religious symbol? I wonder!
2007-02-10 01:29:00 · answer #2 · answered by greysfan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he were allowed to go in, that would have violated the dress code, even with an excuse. That would end up discrimanatory against those that were forced to remove headcoverings. I am certain there were other bars in the area that they could have went to, to include him in the party. If he had not had, if THEY had not had any choice but to go there, then it would be different. But with other options open to them, from what they did, to another bar, to a home party, to breaking up, it is NOT discrimination.
If that bar is a popular one, the group had to have known, ahead of time, of this policy, so it was the GROUP'S choice.
2007-02-08 15:45:09 · answer #3 · answered by Lost in Erehwon 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
First of all if you are a practicing Sikh then you really should not be drinking. Its like saying you're an Orthodox Jew but you eat pork. Even if he was not going to drink any alcohol, he still should not be at a bar if he is a practicing Sikh. The owner of the bar was wrong to not let him in because the turban in this case was not an ordinary hat but a religious symbol.
2007-02-08 15:38:21 · answer #4 · answered by Michael K 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I dont think it is discrimination at all. The rule goes for anyone with a hat not just turbans. The owner has every right to enforce his policy.
2007-02-08 15:59:16 · answer #5 · answered by Christie G 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No. It was enforced equally. He was treated no different than anyone else wearing something on their head. Religion is not an excuse to make your own rules. If the bar is forced to let this man in when all other people wearing hats can be kept out, THAT would be discrimination.
2007-02-08 15:31:34 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Do you have a "right" to go to a bar? They are turning him away for a personal choice that he made with his life, not because of something that he was born with (like skin color). Every religion requires some sacrifice. maybe he should just deal with it and take his business to a Sikh friendly bar.
2007-02-08 15:32:02 · answer #7 · answered by Randy G 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
No, if I open a bar and want the customers to walk around on their hands, it's my choice. If it's targeted for religious/racial reasons, then it is wrong.
2007-02-08 16:38:38 · answer #8 · answered by Hesse 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cant say on that.. .part of me thinks yes and the other part says no... however almost if not all businesses have the right to refuse service to anyone.
2007-02-08 15:35:25 · answer #9 · answered by Tricia P 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no, I don't think it's discrimination, the bar has its policy and they can't go against their policy just because of someone's religion
2007-02-08 15:35:15 · answer #10 · answered by Samantha W 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋