The two most-respected Yes arguments were calm, principled and nearly identical, yet the proposal to ban religious dress for officers on duty still lost narrowly. Neutrality was the whole case: “The issue isn't religion, it's neutrality.”
That Yes side leaned hard on the word uniform. One voter wrote that officers should “wear only the regalia of office”, and others extended the ban to political badges, rainbow flags and tattoos. A harder note ran underneath: one voter argued that visible symbols are “tribal markings” with no place in a uniform, and another, more bluntly, wanted no Muslim officers at all.
The most-respected No case was far less patient, saying that objectors are “either racists or malcontents”. Other No voters made the practical argument, that Sikh officers have worn turbans “since the 60s” with no effect on the job, and that faith items are fine “as long as it doesn't impede on their work”. One voter read the question itself as aimed at hijabs, calling it “plain islamophobia”.
The sides overlapped more than the result suggests. Several No voters would still ban political symbols such as the thin blue line, and one rejected only a blanket ban, asking for distinctions of prominence. Yes voters, for their part, never disputed the point that a visibly diverse force might earn trust, which one No voter raised.
The disagreement was less about neutrality than about whether a hijab or turban breaks it.
89 Opinions
The issue isn't religion, it's neutrality. Police officers, judges, teachers, and other public servants should be seen to represent the state, not a faith, political movement, or ideology. Public institutions work best when they're impartial.
Police whilst on duty should be neutral and be seen to be neutral. Same goes for all public workers who interact with public
Yes, but.... Only if they are on clear display. I dont mind someone wearing a crucifix or other religious symbol if it is suitably discreet. The Police should be secular, unfortunately that ship has sailed in the interests of alleged "community cohesion"
The only people who have an issue with them wearing any of those things are either racists or malcontents. Be honest
Police officers should be outwardly neutral. There should be no political statements by dress either - including rainbow flags / blm symbols etc
There should be no muslim police officers at all. There duty is to their religion above everything else.
Yes they wear a uniform & therefore it should be just that uniform (every officer the same). The ban should include everything that's not uniform issue ALL religious, political & jewelry items (except wedding rings)
Wear the uniform. Simples.
Policing without fear or favour requires everyone to be treated the same. Therefore they should wear only the regalia of office, and no other adornments, political badges (pride etc) or religious symbols. The only exception would be the neutral red poppy during period of remembrance.
Policing, health and education should be secular. It's the only way to have total impartiality.