Rather than ruling immediately, the Michigan Supreme Court will take some time to consider concerns raised about a proposed rule that would prohibit witnesses from wearing head coverings like the Muslim niqab. At a hearing today, citizens and civil liberty groups – including a representative of the BJC and other religious liberty organizations – argued against the rule. The Detroit Free Press reports:
Several justices said they want to study the issue further. But Justice Stephen Markman read a statement supporting discretion for judges, saying the rule of law should trump religious beliefs in court and that determining witnesses’ credibility from facial expressions is crucial.
The Baptist Joint Committee previously filed a statement with the state's high court opposing the rule.
