MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has launched a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, asserting that the rights of two Muslim women were violated while they were in custody.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of sisters Serine Abuelhawa and Marjannah Hassan, claims that the sheriff’s office forcibly removed their hijabs and took photographs of them without their religious head coverings. CAIR argues that this action not only infringes on their religious freedoms but also disrespects their dignity as individuals.
“The treatment these young women faced is a stark violation of their rights,” said CAIR Deputy Litigation Director Gadeir Abbas. He condemned the retention of the photographs, calling it “unacceptable.”
The lawsuit seeks a range of remedies, including declaratory relief, compensation for damages, destruction of the contested photographs, and implementation of new policies to safeguard the religious rights of Muslim women in detention. CAIR Staff Attorney Aya Beydoun emphasized that ensuring respect for Muslim women in custody does not necessitate complex measures but rather basic respect and protocols. She suggested alternatives, such as providing a private space and allowing female officers to assist, which could have upheld their religious rights.
This incident occurred during a pro-Palestine demonstration at the previous year’s Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade, where the sisters were arrested along with other protesters and taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center. At the facility, they were separated and coerced into removing their hijabs, in the presence of male officers, despite their objections based on religious beliefs.
Although all charges against Abuelhawa and Hassan were later dismissed, their booking photographs still exist within law enforcement databases, raising concerns about their ongoing privacy and dignity.
The lawsuit underlines that the sisters’ treatment contravened their rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments, along with federal civil rights protections designed to uphold religious freedom. CAIR points out that many correctional facilities nationwide routinely allow Muslim women to wear their hijabs, even in booking photographs, arguing there is no justification for Multnomah County’s different approach.
In a related matter, CAIR recently filed another lawsuit on behalf of three Muslim men incarcerated in Oregon. This case highlights accusations of unequal treatment regarding religious accommodations, alleging that these men were denied access to certified halal meals and the opportunity to celebrate Eid with congregational prayer and family visits. In contrast, the lawsuit notes that inmates of other religions, including Jewish, Native American, and Christian, receive various accommodations during religious holidays.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
This case highlights broader discussions about religious accommodations within the justice system, particularly the rights of minority groups.
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