The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) will allow players to wear religious headgear on the court for a two year test period, reports NBC.
Controversy erupted when the league banned a Sikh basketball player from playing because he wore a turban for religious reasons.
The lifting of the restrictions applies to Sikh, Muslim and Jewish religions. Players must apply for the exemption from the rules before donning their religious headwear.
“FIBA has taken a step towards change, but this policy alteration will continue to lead to an unequal playing field,” said Jasjit Singh, executive director of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF). “We hope that FIBA will soon recognize Sikhs, Muslims and Orthodox Jews can freely play with their respective articles of faith and not require process or paperwork to play beyond their home countries.”
You can read more about the changes and what this means for the future on NBC.
