New York City agrees to pay $17.5 million in a class action lawsuit led by two Muslim women who say their religious rights were violated when police forced them to remove their hijabs for mugshots after they were arrested.
Key Points
Women felt exposed and violated when forced to remove hijabs for mugshots
Payouts will total about $13.1 million after legal fees and costs
Settlement seen as milestone for New Yorkers' privacy and religious rights
Pros
New York City agreed to pay $17.5 million in settlement
More than 3,600 people are eligible for payouts under the deal
Women's religious and privacy rights were recognized
Cons
Initial violation of religious rights by NYPD
Trauma and shame experienced by the women
Previous case where city had to pay $180,000 for similar violation