Headgear ban at NY amusement park sparks scuffles

NEW YORK – A ban on religious and other head coverings on rides at a suburban New York amusement park has sparked scuffles leading to 15 arrests.

It happened Tuesday while Rye Playland was full of visitors from a tour group celebrating the end of Islam's holy month of fasting, Ramadan.

Westchester County officials say several altercations broke out after women wearing traditional Muslim scarves called hijabs tried to get on rides that prohibit any head coverings for safety reasons. They say visitors started to argue among themselves and two park rangers who intervened were injured.

Parks Deputy Commissioner Peter Tartaglia says it was an unfortunate misunderstanding. He says the tour operator had been advised of the rule numerous times before the event.