The City of Toronto has formally apologized to a prominent Sikh organization for “any delay” in the reinstatement of Sikh security guards fired over a no-beard policy that forced several to choose between their jobs and a key tenet of their faith.
Effective Tuesday, the city will immediately allow “beard covers under a mask” as a form of religious accommodation for security guards at city facilities that require N95 respirators, a media release said Tuesday.
The apology to the World Sikh Organization (WSO) comes after a complaint the group made last month, saying more than 100 Sikh security guards were required to wear N95 masks sealed directly to the face – a rule that prevented their traditional facial hair the face.
The new method involves a tight-fitting covering worn over the beard as well as the chin and cheeks, tied in a knot at the top of the head. An N95 mask is then worn over this covering.
“The technique, also known as the Singh Thatta method, is used by many Sikhs in the medical community and has been found to be very effective in respirator fit testing,” the city said.
The move comes after the city called on its contractors to “immediately” reinstate Sikh security officers released to flout the rule. The city adds that guards “must be adequately compensated for any financial impact.”
“The city will not accept any contractors who do not respect religious freedoms,” the announcement said.
The WSO said Tuesday it had heard from the city that the guards affected would be compensated for lost work hours and returned to their positions.
“I’m glad the city finally came up with a solution that works for these Sikh security guards,” Balpreet Singh, the organization’s legal counsel, said in an interview.
“But… I’m a little disappointed it took so long.”
Toronto Mayor John Tory said he “strongly” believes that no one should be discriminated against because of their religious beliefs.
“I have asked city staff to work with all contractors involved to resolve this issue immediately and to be absolutely clear that we respect people’s human rights, including freedom of religion,” he said in a written statement.
“I fully expect city officials to continue to investigate this complaint and make any necessary changes, including legal action, to ensure that Sikh residents and people of all faiths are fully respected.”
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