RICHMOND HILL, QUEENS -UNS: Assemblyman David Weprin along with Charles Murphy, President of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, held a press conference with local Queens leaders at the Gurdwara, The Sikh Cultural Society. They called on Acting
Superintendent of the New York State Police, Steven Nigrelli, to immediately implement guidelines upholding the Religious Garb Law that protects against discrimination based on religious attire, clothing, or facial hair.
They highlighted an ongoing incident regarding a lack of religious accommodations in the New York State Police. A State Trooper, who is a practicing Sikh, has been actively barred from growing even marginal facial hair and wearing a turban, in keeping with the tenets of his religious
beliefs. This represents a clear and egregious violation of the Religious Garb Bill that was signed into law in 2019, sponsored by Assemblyman Weprin and State Senator John Liu. Also present and speaking were the leadership of the Sikh Officers Association and representatives from
the Sikh Cultural Center. “I proudly represent the 24th Assembly District, one of the most diverse areas in New York State. All Trooper Tiwana wants to do is to put on his uniform and serve his community without having to hide his faith. No one should be forced to live in two worlds, to hide their religious identity at work, to live a double life, or to choose between their faith and serving their community. I am the sponsor of the
‘Religious Garb Law,’ which was signed into law as Chapter 154 in the laws of 2019, which explicitly prohibits discrimination by any employer against religious attire and facial hair. I am deeply alarmed that the individual tasked with upholding and enforcing our state’s laws, Acting Superintendent Nigrelli, is not himself following the law.”
Assemblyman David Weprin “We strongly urge the New York State Police to grant Trooper Tiwana his constitutional right to exercise his religious beliefs and to grow a beard that is customary with his Sikh faith.” Charlie Murphy, President of the New York State Troopers PBA “The Religious Attire Law passed four years ago with the stipulation that it take effect 60 days after becoming law, and it is disgraceful that any state entity has yet to change its policies to comply with this now long-standing law. To make matters worse, the NYS Police should be first in line to comply with new directives, but are still actively barring a trooper of the Sikh faith from growing facial hair and wearing a turban, which is not only in accordance with his religious beliefs, but also his right under state law. We call on the State Police to make the implementation of this law a top priority and live up to its motto of serving the people of New York State with the highest degree of fairness, professionalism and integrity.”
State Senator John Liu “No one should be the target of discrimination for wearing religious clothes. attire or growing facial hair in accordance with their faith. It is especially disturbing that a government entity like the New York State Police would deny a Sikh employee the ability to wear a turban or grow facial hair neither of which would interfere with his work duties. I stand with my colleagues in government in calling on Superintendent Nigrelli to uphold the Religious Garb Law.” State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “Our religious garb law exists to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, ensuring that none face discrimination based on their religious attire or beliefs,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman (District 29).
