# Body Odor, Religious Freedom (and Pakistani Cab Drivers)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/body-odor-religious-freedom-and-pakistani-cab-drivers/934218>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [March 3, 2021, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/body-odor-religious-freedom-and-pakistani-cab-drivers/934218 "2021-03-03T19:36:43Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
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**Author:** ![Jim\_B](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jim_b/32/4338_2.png) [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\
**Post date:** [March 3, 2021, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/body-odor-religious-freedom-and-pakistani-cab-drivers/934218/1 "2021-03-03T19:36:43Z")

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I don’t have a cite just at the moment. But I know a little while ago, there was this rather unique religious discrimination case.

Pakistani taxi drivers in New York claimed their religion forbade showering and bathing. So thus, when their bosses (and presumably other people) complained, they cried religious discrimination.

Now federal and state law does protect against religious discrimination. But not bathing and the body odor that would result. Is that a legitimate claim?

I know rights is always a balancing act. This person’s claim against another’s. You see why this would be a unique situation.

Oh, and I know that this is Great Debates. But I still have to ask. How did the situation ultimately turn out?

Thank you in advance for your kindly replies 🙂 .

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