Queens, New York – Assemblyman David Weprin issued the following statement on the NYPD announcement authorizing Sikh Officers to wear Turbans:

“I was elated to hear today’s NYPD announcement authorizing Sikh officers the option to wear Turbans and beards. As a longtime proponent of religious freedom and as the prime Assembly sponsor of the ‘Religious Garb’ bill in New York State, I believe no one should have to choose between their religion and profession; and all Americans of all faiths should be allowed to freely exercise and display their religious choice at their place of employment. I applaud Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill for championing the cause of religious liberty with this historic step; and congratulate the Sikh Officers Association and the Sikh community for achieving this milestone which makes it easier for people of the Sikh faith to serve in our country’s largest police force, the NYPD.”