Photo identification has almost always been the most widespread form of identification used. You see it everywhere – from government issued passports and drivers licenses to college and corporate IDs. The purpose of this method of identification is obvious: Provide people with a photo that allows for accurate and effective recognition of an individual.
It is this idea of effective recognition that makes a recent Florida court case a joke. A Muslim convert, who took her driver’s license photo in a veil that only reveals her eyes, is fighting Florida’s decision to revoke her license if she refuses to take a picture without the veil.
This case has drawn the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union, who have come to the aid of the woman. This is not so much a case of religious freedom as it is about security. How hard would it be for someone else to pass themselves off as this woman if they stole her ID, then simply threw on a robe and veil?
My real problem with all this is the fact that if she does win this case more people are going to begin showing up and getting licenses without showing their faces. They will simply claim some religious exemption and before you know it we will have millions of people who are citing religious reasons walking around with no legitimate photo identification.
The even bigger joke here is the woman who is suing for her supposed right to not be identifiable already has a very nice picture provided her by the state of Illinois. It seems our “victim” has a criminal record. This alone would be more than enough for me to be convinced she needs to take the veil off for 30 seconds to have her photo taken.
Her conviction was for the aggravated battery of two foster children in her and her husband’s care. It seems the children were also clothed in similar Muslim attire according to the police report. This attire was hiding the broken arm and bruises that these children had. Imagine what she could hide under that veil.
So to settle this argument, everyone is calling in the religious experts. Of course, the state’s expert will say the veil is not necessary, and the plaintiff’s is sure to talk about what a tragedy it would be for her to take off the veil.
You would think on a college campus, where almost every religion is represented, that there would be many Muslim women wearing full veils. However, for the most part, there are not many at all who believe it is necessary to walk around wearing one. So if it is not such a religious necessity, then why is this woman’s case even going to court?
In today’s age where security has become a top priority to individuals and corporations, this should be an easy matter for the court to side with the state. Religious freedoms are not being hindered greatly by requiring this woman to have one simple picture to identify her, and security is much more important than one infringement on a religious belief which many westernized Muslims do not adhere to any longer.
If it is such a big issue for her to take her picture, perhaps Florida can use the Illinois mug-shot of her on the license. I am sure most of the highway patrolmen down there would get a kick out of that when they pull her over for speeding.
The Sept. 11 attacks changed the way American society looks at security. The need for everyone to have photo identification of some type is almost essential anymore. However, if we allow everyone to have licenses with pictures of a concealed face that makes identification harder, then we are countermanding the security measures we have put in place and might as well return to our relaxed security until the next terrorist attack occurs.
Joey Maresca is a junior in electrical and computer engineering. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].
