By Australia Correspondent Rachel Morton
A group of Australian police have launched a legal challenge for the right to keep their beards and ponytails. The Victorian police commissioner banned them last year, after the state's premier said they diminish public trust.
Sixteen senior police officers from across Victoria are standing united, claiming they've been discriminated against.
“The motto of the Victorian police is to uphold the right,” says police officer Michael Kuyken. “Today is our first step in upholding our rights.”
A rule introduced by Victoria's police commissioner last year states that beards and ponytails should be forced off the force. But these men say they're being victimised and their human rights have been violated on the grounds of appearance, religion and sex.
So they've taken their case to the Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
“It's just something I’ve had for the last 11 years,” says police officer Anthony Downes. “It's the way the family have seen me and know me. My wife and children don't see why I should have to change my appearance and it certainly doesn't impact on my professionalism or the way I conduct my business or do my job.”
The men also claim say they've been victimised because they weren't paid to attend the Tribunal and want a temporary injunction appealing that.
Beards and ponytails are fine in Queensland and New South Wales, and there's no problem with them in New Zealand.
The Tribunal has reserved its decision until December and that may not be the end of the matter, as the police commissioner also wants to ban visible tattoos.
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