Deputy sheriffs in Maryland may require visitors to remove veils or masks before allowing them to enter a courthouse, Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler has written in an opinion that could affect Muslims and others who wear such garments for religious or cultural reasons.

Responding to a request from the office of Prince George’s County Sheriff Michael Jackson, Gansler opined that deputies could require a visitor to remove a mask, veil or other face covering “without regard to whether the individual claims a religious basis for remaining masked or veiled,” as long as the sheriff’s office has a “neutral and generally applicable policy of requiring removal of face coverings for security purposes.”

The opinion signed last week by Gansler is not binding on any individual or agency, but represents the “considered opinion” of his office following research and review of the legal issues raised by the question. Jackson’s office had asked if a deputy sheriff assigned to court security could require an individual to remove a covering, whether it matters if the individual asserts a religious reason for remaining covered, and what procedures would be appropriate to enforce such a requirement while demonstrating respect for religious practice.

Gansler wrote that “it would be useful” if security details included both male and female officers and a private space were available for “those individuals whose religion discourages removal of a head covering in public.”