Campaigner to challenge X-ray scans

Ratna Lachman, director of Bradford-based Just West Yorkshire, spent 45 minutes last night arguing against an order for her and two travelling companions, including a young Muslim girl, to submit to a scan which would show their bodies through their clothes.

They eventually gave in so they could catch their flight to Rio for a conference on urban problems but Ms Lachman, a 53-year-old Hindu who lives in Otley, said she will be pursuing the matter.

"Two Muslim women refused to go through this scanner a few weeks ago and people are refusing to travel for the Haj because they will not risk being required to show their bodies. We said we would put up with being searched by a female official but were told there was no alternative."

An airport spokesman said they should have been offered the option of a female guard on the scanning screen. But the requirement to go through the process if asked was authorised by the Government. So far, only Heathrow and Manchester have the scanners but more are due.

Ms Lachman has already called top civil rights lawyer Imran Khan about the issue.