Legal Commentary

Canadian Airlines Failing to Require That Veiled Passengers Show Their Faces for Identification Checks?

By Eugene Volokh

One news story is here; here?s the statement from the Canada?s Transport Minister:

Recent media reports have suggested that individuals routinely board aircraft without being visually identified.

Under the Identity Screening Regulations, airlines must be able to verify the identity of all passengers before they are allowed to board. Airlines in Canada are required to have procedures in place to verify the identity of any person whose face is covered. Their approach is to be consistent with international standards and apply equally to all passengers, regardless of a person?s culture or religion.

If the reports are true, the situation is deeply disturbing and poses a serious threat to the security of the air travelling public.

Therefore, I have instructed my department to immediately look into this matter and report back. If our current security policies in this area are deemed to be lacking, our government will take the necessary steps to protect the safety and security of the travelling public.

Thanks to Prof. Howard Friedman (Religion Clause) for the pointer.

Full post as published by The Volokh Conspiracy on August 03, 2010 (boomark / email).