USA, March 21, 2011 (RNS): Air travelers want to feel safe, and federal security officials want to make sure they actually are safe. If only it were that simple. Misunderstandings over religious expression have led to recent incidents that prompted apologies from airlines. When does a prayer, a garment, or religious paraphernalia constitute a threat? ‘We are sensitive to travelers’ concerns,’ TSA spokeswoman Sari Koshetz said, ‘but security is not optional.’
Some religious minorities have welcomed TSA’s accommodations. Orthodox Jews, for instance, dropped complaints about new screening procedures last year after TSA announced the option of same-gender pat-downs. The Hindu American Foundation likewise has no pending concerns or requests to modify TSA procedures, according to Managing Director Suhag Shukla. Others, however, feel they’re being unfairly targeted. Sikhs have been working with TSA for years to craft screening procedures that respect turban wearers, according to Amardeep Singh, program director for the Sikh Coalition. Yet Sikhs continue to endure stigmatizing turban pat-downs, Singh said, even though scanners can purportedly see through fabric.
The airline industry says staffers often have had training to make them aware of various groups’ religious customs and practices. ‘Airlines deeply understand, respect and are very sensitive to their customers and employees who comprise varied cultures and religions and have specialized training for their employees in this regard,’ said Victoria Day, spokeswoman for the Air Transport Association. But legal experts caution that claims of religious freedom face limits, and don’t ever trump security considerations. ‘There’s no notion in our society that religion entitles you to opt out of reasonable security measures,’ Broyde said.