Reasonable request to remove tongue piercing

[Jeweller0110]

Hi I am looking for some advice. My manager has asked me to remove my tongue bar. Mainly because a new start with a nose ring was asked to remove that and she says it can't be 1 rule for 1 and a different for another. Our employee hand book (which is fairly new) states that other than earrings no other VISIBLE piercings are permitted. My opinion is that as it is in my mouth it is not a visible piercing. I have had out done for 15 years and don't want to remove it as it will close over. She suggested a clear plastic stud which would be more discreet and I said no, if I have to change it regularly there is a risk of infection. My main point is that I've worked there 2.5 years and this is the first it's been mentioned so they can't change the rules. I wasn't told about this at my interview unlike those with visible piercings. The conversion was left with her saying she will need to seek advice as I have refused a "Reasonable request"

[ULA]

If you have a policy contained within your employee hand book regarding piercings, normally covered under a Dress Code Policy, then you need to adhere to it. My only suggestion would be to explain that is not a piercing that is visible all the time and see if the company is sympathetic to that argument.