UNITED SIKHSWinner of the Sikhs and Charities Award
February 27, 2011
17th Phagun (Samvat 542 Nanakshahi)
Press Release
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Show your Solidarity for the Right to Wear Kirpan in Quebec by Signing This Petition

Highlights:


Quebec, Canada: Four Canadian Sikhs were refused entry into the National Assembly of Quebec unless they removed their kirpans. UNITED SIKHS is now petitioning for Sikhs to be able to wear their kirpans freely and would like your support. Sign this petition now!

Sikhs are a well-integrated community in Canada that have been continually afforded acceptance and respect for their articles of faith by the larger community. While they remain a religious minority, Quebec itself is a minority within English-speaking Canada. “The kirpan always reminds me to stand for justice and equality. It is this very notion of justice, equality and preserving one’s unique differences that Quebec has historically fought to maintain” pointed out Ranbir Singh, UNITED SIKHS Director in Toronto.

Although the incident at the Quebec Assembly was regrettable and unfortunate, it provides an opportunity for dialogue with the various communities that enrich Quebec and Canada. UNITED SIKHS stands in solidarity with the global Sikh community and the political leaders that have condemned the incident. Sikhs look up to the ordinary citizens of Quebec to stand with them and ensure that a similar event does not occur in the future.

We are calling on Sikhs and the larger community in Quebec to stand strong and show their support by signing this petition for the right to wear kirpan.

Forward the petition to friends and family!

For background information on the incident and current kirpan accommodation laws and policies in Canada, please click here.

To sign the petition now, please click here.

If you would like to print the Petition for collecting signatures from your local community, please click here.

UNITED SIKHS is committed to protecting the rights of Sikhs to practice their faith freely and without hindrance. If you feel your rights have been violated, email contact@unitedsikhs.org.

Issued by:
Susan Kaur
Legal Fellow
law-canada@unitedsikhs.org
1-905-672-2245

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Show Your Support for the Right to Wear the Kirpan Freely!Click here to sign the petition

For more information, view previous press release!
PROTECT OUR IDENTITY CAMPAIGN
Protect Our Identity (POI) is an ongoing international campaign launched by UNITED SIKHS in August 2010 . It focuses on the need to protect the Sikh community's right to express its religious identity.  Initiatives under the POI campaign include:

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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.

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