After Muslim complaints, state allows head coverings in license photos

(Tulsa-AP) -- The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety has changed a rule banning head coverings in driver's license photos. <br><br>Commissioner Bob Ricks has decided to allow anyone to wear hats,

Wednesday, March 5th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety has changed a rule banning head coverings in driver's license photos.

Commissioner Bob Ricks has decided to allow anyone to wear hats, scarves or other coverings in photos. The change took effect in late February.

The decision came after Muslim women complained about having to remove their headscarves.

Mujeeb Cheema of the Council on American-Islamic Relations says she is glad Muslim women won't have to violate their religious beliefs to get an Oklahoma driver's license.

The new rule still prohibits headgear the obscures the face or that has logos or designs. The latter provision is meant to ban gang insignia.