Muslim Women Barred From UK Flight for Refusing Scan

Pakistan-bound passengers cited religious, medical reasons
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 4, 2010 5:40 AM CST
Muslim Women Barred From UK Flight for Refusing Scan
A Transportation Security Administration officer views a full-body scan during a demonstration of passenger screening technology.   (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

Two Muslim women were barred from boarding a flight to Pakistan after they refused to go through Manchester Airport's newly installed full-body scanners. One of the women cited religious reasons, while her traveling companion said it was for medical reasons. The pair are believed to be the first people Britain has stopped from flying for refusing to submit to the scanners, the Telegraph reports.

The women forfeited their tickets and left the airport with their luggage. Airport authorities issued a statement seeking to reassure passengers that the scans—criticized by civil liberties campaigners as an invasion of privacy—are subject to strict privacy regulations. American travelers who refuse to go through full-body scanners will be offered security-check alternatives, according to officials from the Transportation Security Administration.
(More full body scanner stories.)

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