Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres wants assurances to be given to the Muslim community over the wearing of religious headscarfs in court.
A woman is reported to have been barred from the Hastings District Court for wearing a headscarf.
Mr de Bres says the Muslim community, and others, need to be reassured that wearing a headscarf in the public gallery of a court is perfectly acceptable.
He says he has contacted the Chief District Court judge about the issue.
Mr de Bres says he cannot imagine a nun being told to remove such attire.
