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This Press Release may be read online at: https://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-01-08-2008-00.htm
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Press Release: 1st Aug 2008, Friday 17th Saavan (Samvat 540 Nanakshahi )
UK Sikhs Continue to Face Problems Wearing Articles of Faith While Court Rules in Favour of the Sikh KaraUNITED SIKHS Calls on UK Government to End Discrimination by Issuing a Code of Practice for Wearing Sikh Articles of Faith |
London, UK – UNITED SIKHS welcomes a High Court ruling this
week that a Welsh school had broken the law in permanently excluding a
Sikh girl for wearing a kara, a steel bangle worn by Sikhs. With the
backing of UNITED SIKHS, the human rights group Liberty had challenged
the Aberdare Girl’s School on behalf of 14-year-old Sarika Singh,
winning the case on the basis of the Race Relations Act 1976 and the
Equality Act 2006.
UNITED SIKHS has supported Sarika’s case since it began at the end of last year. It engaged an eminent human rights lawyer, Stephen Grosz of Bindmans LLP, and an expert witness to assist Sarika Singh’s legal team, which successfully argued that the kara is an article of faith which reminds a Sikh of his/her duty to lead a righteous life.
The High Court ruling comes while Sikhs in the UK
continue to face problems wearing their five articles of faith, or
kakaar. UNITED SIKHS is currently involved in three cases regarding the
wearing of the kirpan, a sheathed blade, one of the Sikh articles of
faith. Due to the repeated occurrence of issues regarding Sikh articles
of faith in the UK, UNITED SIKHS has written to the All Party
Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Sikhs, the UK government and the
Equality and Human Rights Commission to expedite the issuing of a code
of practice for all Sikh articles of faith, including the the kirpan,
in all public places.
Commenting on the High Court decision on the kara, Mejindarpal Kaur stated, “We are delighted that the judge has recognised the significance of the Kara to Sikhs. UNITED SIKHS hopes that the school will accept this ruling and that Sarika will be able to return to school next term. We are happy to work with the school in raising awareness about the Sikh religion, both among pupils and among teachers and governors.”
“However, we are concerned that Sikhs in the UK continue to experience difficulties with wearing their articles of faith and it is time for the government to establish a code of practice allowing Sikhs the unhindered right to wear their articles of faith in public places.”
“In the UK, Sikhs have a statutory right to wear the kirpan in
all public places, including schools. However, post 9/11, some schools,
leisure facilities and even some government departments do not allow
Sikhs to wear their kirpan,” she added.
In three separate cases, firstly, involving a Sikh’s ability to
wear the kirpan in a London school, secondly at a theme park and
thirdly at a British Embassy in Portugal , UNITED SIKHS is actively
advocating for a change in the practice by the discriminating parties.
In a case involving the Compton School in Barnet, North London, UNITED
SIKHS is advocating for thirteen year old Jagdeep Singh to be able to
wear his kirpan during sports activities. Through various meetings and
correspondence, progress is being made between the parties. The
school’s concern for safety during sports activities is being
addressed by an expert engaged by UNITED SIKHS who is designing a
padding to fit over the sheath of the kirpan to make the kirpan safe to
wear during sports for the wearer and others who may come in contact
with the kirpan.
The kirpan was also disallowed at a theme park in Staffordshire
frequented by Sikhs, Drayton Manor Park, when six kirpan-wearing Sikh
youths were refused entry to the park in the summer of 2006. UNITED
SIKHS continues to advocate on behalf of the youths concerned and has
commenced legal proceedings to ensure that Sikhs will be allowed to
wear the kirpan in this park and other public places. UNITED SIKHS
recently became aware that Drayton Manor Park has since allowed some
Sikhs to wear the kirpan and is now seeking an amicable solution
between the parties on behalf of all Sikhs.
On July 8, 2008, UNITED SIKHS issued a letter to the chair of the
Equality and Human Rights Commission, Trevor Philips, the chair for the
All Party Parliamentary Group for Sikhs, Rob Marris MP, and Parmjit
Dhanda MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and
Local Government, urging them to expedite the formulation of a code of
practice regarding the wearing of Sikh articles of faith in public
places. Rob Marris MP has continued to support the code of practice and
offered his support for the kirpan cases and the Equality and Human
Rights Commission said it will raise the issue with the Department of
Communities and Local Government, which has not responded to UNITED
SIKHS’ letter.
Notes to Editors:
Our Mission
To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.
UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for networking between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful projects and dialogues - whether social, cultural or political- to promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns and cities.
UNITED SIKHS is a coalition of organisations and individuals, who share a common vision based on the belief that there is no greater endeavour than to serve, empower and uplift fellow beings. The core of our philosophy is an unwavering commitment to civic service and social progress on behalf of the common good.
Accordingly, UNITED SIKHS has sought to fulfil its mission not only by informing, educating and uplifting fellow beings but also by participating in cross-cultural and political exchanges to ensure that the promises and benefits of democracy are realized by all.
We at UNITED SIKHS believe that the development of enlightened and progressive societies can be made possible by socially conscious groups of people who make a commitment to develop and direct human potential. Our work, efforts and achievements stand as a testament to our faith in this vision.