Kirpan Issue

Sikh Jathedars took serious note of Rochester Gurudwara Kirpan ban; Santokh Singh Badesha summoned before Akal Takht

Amritsar, Punjab (March 26, 2013): As per media reports Akal Takhat Sahib has taken a serious note of the role of the management committee of a Gurdwara located in the US city of Rochester in getting a ban imposed by a judicial court on wearing of 'kirpan' in the premises of the Gurudwara Sahib.

Understanding the Kirpan (by World Sikh Organization of Canada)

The Sikh religion is the youngest of the five major world religions. It originated in northern India in the late 1400s, with its founder, Guru Nanak who was a spiritual teacher and social reformer. He directed people to meditate daily (nam japna), work hard (kirat karna), and share their earnings with others without discrimination (vand shakna). These three enjoinders have become the pillars of Sikh society.

Sikhs win & exercise right to wear the Kirpan in European Parliament in Brussels to meet MEPs

Brussels, Belgium (January 26, 2013): The Sikh Federation (UK) started to organise the mass lobbying of Members of European Parliament (MEPs) by visiting them at the European Parliament in Brussels around eight years ago.

Sikh Kirpan to be accommodated at Alberta courthouses

Calgary (January 25, 2013): The World Sikh Organization of Canada has worked with the Government of Alberta and Alberta Human Rights Commission to develop accommodation guidelines for the kirpan in Alberta courthouses.

Australia: Sikhs concerned over proposed ban on Kirpans in schools

Victoria, Australia (December 23, 2012): As per media reports the Sikh Council of Australia and Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commissioner have objected to the former state government's amendment preventing a Kirpan, a Sikh ceremonial sword, being worn in schools.

Respecting freedom of Religion, California school allowed Kirpans for Sikh students

California (November 05, 2012): According to reports a Southern California school district has allowed Sikh students to wear the Kirpan in school. It is learnt that at least three high school students in the Jurupa Unified School District will be allowed to wear the approximately 2-inch Kirpan at school after ensuring certain safety measures.

Sikh Family denied entry to London Olympic games 2012 for carrying Kirpan

Ludhiana/London (August 02, 2012): As per news reports, members of a Sikh family were denied entry to an Olympic football game in Coventry because the father was carrying a small Kirpan. A Kirpan is a cermonail sword that is an integral part of Sikh religion's practise and is also considered to be vital part of Sikh identity.

Federal Criminal Charges against Sikh for carrying Kirpal, Dropped After Sikh Coalition Intervenes

California, USA (July 5, 2011): A U.S. federal prosecutor dropped criminal charges against a Sikh for wearing his kirpan into a federal facility. To the Sikh Coalition’s knowledge, this is the first time that a federal prosecutor has ever dropped criminal charges against a Sikh for carrying a kirpan.

Airport Authority lifts Kirpan Ban

Amritsar, Punjab (June 07, 2011): The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has today lifted the ban it had imposed in April on the wearing of a Kirpan by employees working on the airside at the Sri Guru Ramdas International Airport, Amritsar, following a campaign by the UNITED SIKHS and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

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