JTA: An Orthodox Jewish organization lauded the U.S. Coast Guard�s reversal of an earlier decision banning religious headgear on duty.Agudath Israel of America had pressed? the matter with the Coast Guard and its parent agency, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.The policy, which prevented an Orthodox man from wearing his yarmulke on duty, was overturned last week.

�We are heartened by the Coast Guard�s decision, which was both the right and reasonable thing to do,� Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudah�s Washington director and counsel, said in a statement Monday. �National security concerns are vital, but Congress has made clear that religious practices cannot simply be dismissed out of hand � that the critical point is whether observance in a given case interferes with duties.�

Agudah learned of the decision last week through the offices of Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), who has championed the rights of the religious in the workplace.

The Orthodox Union also praised the Coast Guard decision.