Hindu Girl in UK Wins Fight to Wear Nose Ring

October 11, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Indians_Abroad/Hindu_girl_in_UK_wins_fight_to_wear_nose_ring/articleshow/3582057.cms

A UK teenager has forced her school to allow her to wear a nose stud, with her mother arguing it is a Hindu religious symbol that eases childbirth.

Although most UK schools have strict rules on facial jewellery, Shannon Connolly — backed by mother Madhu and father Brendan — claimed a nose stud is a Hindu religious requirement. Shannon's school relented after Racial Equality Council talks.

Shannon's mother told the Skegness Standard: "When you have your nose pierced, the stud goes through a nerve in your nose, which Hindus believe helps give children and makes childbirth easier."

The school, St Clement's College, allows children to wear only a watch and earring studs. However, her parents are protesting an order for her to carry a laminated card informing teachers she can wear a nose stud.