Sikh boy's admission denial challenged

Sydney: In a landmark case that may have far-reaching consequences for Sikhs in Australia, a family has challenged the decision of a private school in Brisbane not to enrol their son because his turban would breach the school's uniform code.

The 12-year-old boy's family has complained to the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland (ADCQ) alleging the Ormiston College discriminated against their son and his religion in imposing a requirement for enrolment that the boy should cut his hair and not wear a turban.

"The complaint is the college discriminated against the child by placing conditions on his enrolment that he was unable to comply with because of his religion. This case has the capacity to set a precedent that will have far-reaching consequences," said the family's solicitor Scott McDougall of Caxton Legal Centre.

The family cannot be named for legal reasons.

"This is the first case of its kind in Queensland and perhaps Australia. It is before the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal and will be heard later this year, but no date has been fixed yet," said ADCQ Commissioner Susan Booth.

Ormiston College headmaster Brett Webster is standing by his decision on enforcing a strict uniform policy in his school.

He told Australian Broadcasting Corporation Brisbane yesterday: "We're certainly not asking the family or the boy to turn their back on their religion... But the question is should the school, should every organisation, change its standard policies every time somebody comes along with a different set of beliefs?"