Starting Tuesday, the city will immediately allow “beard covers under a mask” as a form of religious accommodation for security guards on city premises that require N95 respirators, the city said in a news release Tuesday. The apology to the World Sikh Organization (WSO) comes after a complaint the group made last month said more than 100 Sikh security guards were required to wear N95 masks sealed directly to the face – a rule that would not allow traditional hair of their face. The new method involves a tight covering worn over the beard, as well as the chin and cheeks, tied in a knot at the top of the head. An N95 mask is then worn over this cover. “The technique, also known as the Singh Thattha method, is used by many Sikhs in the medical community and has been found to be highly effective in ventilator fit testing,” the city said. The measure comes after the city called on its contractors to “immediately” reinstate Sikh security personnel to waive the rule. The city adds that guards “should be adequately compensated for any financial impact.” “The city will not accept any contractor who does not respect religious freedoms,” the statement said. The WSO said Tuesday it had heard from the city that the affected guards would be compensated for lost hours and returned to their positions. “I’m glad the city has finally come up with a solution that works for these Sikh security guards,” Balpreet Singh, the organization’s legal counsel, said in an interview. “But…I’m a little disappointed it took so long.” Toronto Mayor John Tory said he believes “firmly” that no one should be discriminated against for their religious beliefs. “I have asked city staff to work with all involved contractors to resolve this matter immediately and to be absolutely clear that we respect people’s human rights, including religious freedom,” he said in a written statement. “I fully expect city staff to continue to investigate this complaint and make whatever changes are necessary, up to and including legal action, to make sure that Sikh residents and people of all faiths are fully respected.”
