Washington: Highlighting concerns over religious freedom, a prominent US lawmaker has urged the Pentagon to review its policy that restricts service members from keeping beards. He argued that maintaining uncut hair and beard is a fundamental tenet of Sikhism.
In a letter addressed to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi said that Sikhs have served alongside American troops for generations, including during World Wars I and II.
“For Sikhs, it is a sacred duty to serve their country, which represents the ideal of a saint-soldier — combining faith with service,” said Suozzi, who represents New York’s third congressional district.
He added that Sikhism requires its followers to keep their hair and beard uncut as a symbol of devotion and equality before God.
