A New York State trooper claims that the department is violating his religious freedoms.

The New York State Police allegedly forbid a five-year veteran trooper, who is based in Buffalo, from growing facial hair or wear a turban, despite him being a practicing Sikh.

“I’m just shocked that this law has been in effect since 2019, and we’re still getting incidents like this where they are not even pretending to make a religious accommodation,” said Queens Assemblymember David Weprin. “They’re not pretending to comply with the law.”  

On the steps of the Sikh Cultural Society in Richmond Hill, which is home to one of the state’s largest Sikh communities, Weprin expressed his frustration, disappointment and disgust after hearing claims.

“I am appalled as a prime sponsor of the law,” said Weprin, “and we need immediate action from the governor and the acting superintendent of state police.”

In 2019, Weprin was a co-sponsor of a Religious Garb bill that was signed into law.

As a result, employers were prohibited from discriminating against any worker for wearing religious attire and facial hair for religious reasons.

Gurbhej Singh Variach is on the Board of Trustees for the Sikh Cultural Society.

He says the state trooper at the center of this complaint met with him and other officials last week in Richmond Hill.

“He was telling us whatever happened,” said Variach. “He was totally frustrated. It was unacceptable. The police officers are supposed to understand the law.”

In a statement to NY1, a spokesperson for New York State Police said: “We value diversity, equity and inclusion among our ranks.”

“We have recently updated our guidelines with respect to facial hair that addresses both the request for an exemption from our clean-shaven policy, and our members safety, which is paramount,” the statement continued.

In the meantime, officials say the committee that is in charge of policy uniform and equipment is working on a policy for the design and official distribution of turbans.