Muslims can be firemen in England if suitable breathing apparatus provided

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Muslims, Sikhs and Orthodox Jews with long beard are facing some barriers to become firemen in England due to lack of suitable breathing apparatus.

Now, as Religion Media Center reported, a Birmingham City councillor is calling on the West Midlands Fire Service to provide breathing apparatus suitable for men with beards.

At present the equipment is for clean shaven men, but Councillor Sybil Spence said this can act as a barrier to Muslims, Sikhs or Orthodox Jews, who have beards for religious reasons.

The lead member for the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Zafar Iqbal, said it was working proactively to be as inclusive as possible.