The Smartest Investors Club
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Investing
  • World
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Investing
  • World

The Smartest Investors Club

Politics

English courts consider nixing mandatory wigs for barristers amid concerns they’re ‘culturally insensitive’

by May 20, 2024
May 20, 2024
English courts consider nixing mandatory wigs for barristers amid concerns they’re ‘culturally insensitive’

Courts in the United Kingdom are considering whether to nix mandatory wigs for barristers amid concerns the dress code requirement is ‘culturally insensitive.’ 

‘Following questions from barristers about wigs and hair discrimination, the Bar Council set up a working group to consider court dress in the context of all protected characteristics,’ a spokesperson for the Bar Council, which represents barristers in England and Wales, said in a statement to The Telegraph. ‘The findings of the working group are currently being discussed with the judiciary as part of our regular dialogue on equality and diversity matters.’

Several Black barristers have lodged complaints that the traditional headpieces discriminate against Afro-Caribbean hair. Though no permanent change has been decided, judges are reviewing proposals made by the Bar Council, and a decision is expected this fall at the earliest, the Telegraph reported. 

‘Senior judges are in active discussions with the Bar Council about the findings of their working group on court dress,’ a spokesperson for the judiciary also told the newspaper. ‘We welcome these discussions as part of our continuing joint work on diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.’

Michael Etienne, a Black barrister with an afro hairstyle, branded the compulsory wigs as hair discrimination, a form of racism, in 2022, sparking public debate after he was ordered to wear the headpiece or face disciplinary action. The wigs, traditionally made of horsehair, are not required in all courtrooms. They haven’t been compulsory in family, civil or Supreme Court cases since 2007.

Leslie Thomas KC, a Black legal professional in London, told the Telegraph he believes the required wigs to be a ‘ridiculous costume’ that represents a ‘culturally insensitive climate’ at the Bar.

‘The wigs certainly should go. There isn’t any place in a modern society for barristers to be wearing 17th-century fashion,’ Thomas told the newspaper, suggesting the judiciary do away with other ‘archaic’ court dress, as well, such as wing collars, bands and collarettes. 

He said a dress code that instead solely requires barristers to wear a black gown with smart business wear underneath ‘would bring the profession into the 21st century.’

Rachel Bale, a mixed-race barrister with curly afro hair, pointed to religious exemptions already in place for Sikhs who wear turbans and Muslims who wear headscarves, suggesting to The Telegraph that barristers should be able to opt out for cultural reasons. She argued that wigs are often ‘not fit for purpose’ for naturally Black hairstyles.

‘Something overlooked often in Black culture is that your hair is so inexplicably important and it is completely interwoven with your identity,’ she told the newspaper. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
Stefanik defends speech at Israel’s Knesset torching Biden, Democrats: ‘Equivocation after equivocation’
next post
Advocates for IRS whistleblowers accuse Special Counsel Weiss of retaliation, misleading: ‘Smear campaign’

You may also like

Ohio marijuana legalization proposal set to appear on...

US must stand up to terrorists and we...

Obama takes subtle swipe at Vance while praising...

4 of the biggest clashes between Patel, Senate...

Soaring popularity of Vance’s ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ rebuts narrative...

Biden’s shifting support of Israel in his own...

Harris edges closer to Trump in new poll...

Mother of Hamas hostage says US shouldn’t be...

Trump’s pick for NIH director clears committee, heads...

Dem, GOP insiders both see major opportunity after...

    Get free access to all of the retirement secrets and income strategies from our experts! or Join The Exclusive Subscription Today And Get the Premium Articles Acess for Free


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Latest

    • Triumph Gold Updates Shareholders on Operations, Engages Market Maker, and Grants Options

    • Investing in Uranium ETFs: 9 Options for Uranium Exposure

    • Trump says 80% tariff on China ‘seems right’ ahead of weekend talks with Beijing

    • Crypto Market Recap: Bitcoin Breaks US$100,000 as ETF Inflows Rise, Coinbase Makes US$2.9 Billion Power Play

    • 7 Copper ETFs and ETNs

    Categories

    • Business (1,633)
    • Investing (4,796)
    • Politics (7,544)
    • World (6,131)
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • About us

    Disclaimer: thesmartestinvestorsclub.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 thesmartestinvestorsclub.com | All Rights Reserved


    Back To Top