Update: Sultaana Freeman License Photo Case in Florida

June 5, 2003

Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

http://www.Sun-Sentinel.com/

On June 5, 2003 the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that "as an Orlando judge is poised to decide whether a Muslim woman should have her driver's license reinstated even though she refuses to unveil her face for the photo, Muslims in South Florida and throughout the country are divided on whether her request should be granted... Sultaana Freeman, 19, maintains her religion requires her to cover her face so that only her eyes are visible to onlookers and is suing to have her license reinstated. While most Muslims believe Islam does not oblige women to cover their faces, some view Florida's recall of Freeman's driver's license as evidence of their diminishing rights. Others say that Muslims need to support national security efforts, and that Freeman, a convert, has veered beyond extremism. Many are hoping the judge finds a compromise that can protect both religious freedom and the public interest."