A federal judge has ruled that a federal prison in Minnesota must destroy all mug shots of Muna Jama, a Muslim woman photographed without her hijab, which the judge deemed a violation of her religious rights. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan, a Biden appointee, stated that Jama's hijab is an essential element of her religious practice and that forcing her to be photographed without it substantially burdens her religious exercise. The ruling came after Jama was required to take the photo during her booking in 2019. Authorities then used the picture on her ID and records. After filing a complaint in 2022, the prison allowed her to take a new photo with her hijab but insisted she also pose for another uncovered photo, which was to remain sealed. The court found this arrangement insufficient, with Judge Bryan emphasizing that keeping her uncovered image could lead to exposure to unrelated males, infringing on her beliefs. He also criticized the prison’s argument that it needed the uncovered photo for escape scenarios, stating that the government did not provide evidence showing such a requirement was necessary.
Judge Bryan noted that the prison's policy regarding hijab photography was inconsistent, as non-Muslim inmates were not subject to similar requirements. He argued that any escapee could use a hijab as a disguise, reinforcing the need for fair treatment of all inmates.
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SOURCES: The Washington Times | Facebook Florida Hillbilly
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