The Investment Whisperer
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Investing
  • World
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Investing
  • World

The Investment Whisperer

Politics

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

by admin May 21, 2024
May 21, 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
Israeli political tensions boil over, revealing new danger for Netanyahu

Related Posts

White House pushes back against scathing report on...

September 10, 2024

Biden still believes ‘no one is above the...

December 3, 2024

From CDC to labor secretary: See Trump’s top...

November 23, 2024

China ramps up military ‘rehearsals’ around Taiwan, outstrips...

April 11, 2025

MORNING GLORY: The VP debate is an example...

October 4, 2024

Democrats don’t get a do-over just because of...

July 13, 2024

Biden campaign hypes president’s foreign policy chops after...

July 14, 2024

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee indicates US...

June 20, 2025

Trump confirms National Security Council firings as Waltz’s...

April 4, 2025

Hezbollah launches 30 rockets into Israel, no casualties...

August 12, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


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

    Categories

    • Business (1,429)
    • Investing (3,506)
    • Politics (4,736)
    • World (4,641)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: TheInvestmentWhisperer.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 TheInvestmentWhisperer.com | All Rights Reserved