Saud Anwar

Sen. Anwar Proud as Co-Sponsored Bill Allowing Officers Increased Religious Freedom Passes Senate

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) was proud as the State Senate passed legislation he co-sponsored that will provide police officers statewide with increased religious freedom of expression regarding their uniforms.

“Many religious police officers may have to choose between following traditions they believe in and wearing their assigned uniforms,” said Sen. Anwar. “Under this legislation, those officers will now have the freedom to wear religious head coverings as part of their uniforms, giving them increased ability to both protect the community they are sworn to serve and follow their religious beliefs as they so choose. This is a development that will be beneficial, even improving community relations in some parts of the state, and I’m proud to have co-sponsored it and to pass it alongside my colleagues.”

Senate Bill 120, “An Act Allowing Police Officers To Wear Religious Head Coverings As Part of a Police Uniform,” would require law enforcement units to permit a police officer to wear a religious head covering in accordance with their religious beliefs while on duty and wearing uniforms unless they must wear tight-fitting protective headgear.