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Courtrooms in British Columbia, Canada Allow Kirpans
CBC NEWS
Sikhs who wish to carry a small kirpan while visiting courthouses in British Columbia (`B.C.`), Canada ill soon be able to do so, the provincial government has announced.
The policy will take effect in B.C. on April 12, 2013, according to a statement from the Ministry of Justice.
Sikhs wishing to carry kirpans will be required to identify themselves to court sheriffs and comply with size restrictions.
The length of the kirpan, including the sheath, may not exceed 19 centimetres while the blade must not be more than 10 centimetres. It must be worn under clothing and not be easily accessible.
The kirpan is a required article of faith by Sikhs who follow the full discipline of the faith as required of the Khalsa.
The policy change is in response to a decision by the Supreme Court of Canada and other human rights decisions.
Kirpans are already allowed in provincial courtrooms in Alberta and Toronto, and in all Parliament of Canada buildings.
According to the Sikh religion, the kirpan symbolizes spiritual wisdom and the duty to stand against injustice.
(Edited for sikhchic.com)
April 11, 2013
Conversation about this article
1: Sunny Singh (Maple, Ontario, Canada), April 11, 2013, 7:13 AM.
Sikhs should truly feel proud to be Canadian. There are many challenges the Sikh community faces or have faced in Canada and across the world, but we have always integrated very well into the communties we have made our home. All other provinces should follow the footsteps of BC in regards to allowing Sikhs to operate motorcycles with their turbans. But overall, the Sikh community continues to show the rest of the world that Canada is a great place to be, regardless of differences in culture, religion, etc.