20 members of Congress sign the letter
By The American Bazaar Staff
NEW YORK: Twenty members of US Congress, led by Democrats Joe Crowley and Ami Bera, wrote a letter on Tuesday to the International Basketball Federation asking the game’s regulatory body to end what it termed as “discriminatory policy against Sikh basketball players that wear turbans”.
The letter stems from an incident in July when two Sikh players were asked to remove their turbans if they wanted to play in the Asia Cup, organized by FIBA, saying that it was in violation of FIBA rules.
“There is no evidence showing that a turban has been dangerous during basketball games or other popular sports events. In fact, there are many examples of Sikhs who have safely competed in basketball at many levels with their articles of faith intact,” the US lawmakers said in their letter.
It added: “Basketball is a beloved team sport that has the ability to bring people of all backgrounds together, regardless of history, culture, language, and religion. In addition to becoming one of the most popular sports in many countries, basketball has come to exemplify how those of diverse backgrounds can communicate, coordinate, and work together in pursuit of a shared goal. We believe that makes the basketball court the perfect venue to showcase the diversity of our world and the ways in which sports bring people together.”
A press release issued by the offices of Crowley and Bera pointed out that sports leagues, such as Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), allow players to wear turbans.
Following is the full text of the letter:
August 19, 2014
Yvan Mainini President International Basketball Federation Fédération Internationale de Basketball Route Suisse 5 1295 Mies – SwitzerlandDear President Mainini,
We are concerned about recent reports indicating that Sikhs are not able to participate in International Basketball Federation (FIBA) games while wearing a turban, which is essential to their faith, and ask you to change this discriminatory policy.
We understand that Sikh players participating within FIBA were told that their turbans violate Article 4.4.2 of FIBA’s official rules, which states that “Players shall not wear equipment (objects) that may cause injury to other players.”
There is no evidence showing that a turban has been dangerous during basketball games or other popular sports events. In fact, there are many examples of Sikhs who have safely competed in basketball at many levels with their articles of faith intact. For example, Darsh Preet Singh served as captain for the basketball team at Trinity University, maintaining his turban throughout a successful career in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Mr. Singh has become a model of success for Sikhs across America and the world, and has shown that a Sikh turban neither hinders nor endangers NCAA competitors.
Additionally, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) recently changed its policies to permit Sikhs to wear turbans while playing soccer. Secretary General Jerome Valcke said in announcing the decision: “You cannot have discrimination.”
Basketball is a beloved team sport that has the ability to bring people of all backgrounds together, regardless of history, culture, language, and religion. In addition to becoming one of the most popular sports in many countries, basketball has come to exemplify how those of diverse backgrounds can communicate, coordinate, and work together in pursuit of a shared goal. We believe that makes the basketball court the perfect venue to showcase the diversity of our world and the ways in which sports bring people together.
We hope that you will carefully re-examine the existing policy with respect to Sikh turbans and support a change when FIBA’s Central Board next meets. We look forward to hearing from you on this matter.
Sincerely,
Joseph Crowley
Ami Bera
Grace Meng
Gary Peters
Michael Honda
Sheila Jackson Lee
Bill Pascrell, Jr.
Judy Chu
Donna F. Edwards
Eric Swalwell
Barbara Lee
Charles B. Rangel
Mark Takano
Carolyn B. Maloney
Suzan DelBene
Bobby L. Rush
John Garamendi
James P. Moran
Eliot L. Engel
Gregory W. Meeks
Jan Schakowsky