Sikhs 'disappointed' by Quebec Vote Barring Kirpans from Assembly

SSingh11 · #10 (**permalink**) 28-Feb-2011, 15:49 PM

Highlights:

Four Canadian Sikhs were refused the right to wear their kirpans at the National Assembly in Quebec. Click here for more information in a previous press release.
We are calling on the Sikh community to stand strong and show their support by signing this petition for the right to wear kirpan in Quebec
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/canada/34448-sikhs-disappointed-quebec-vote-barring-kirpans.html
Act now! Bloc Québécois has called for the ban to extend to Parliament Hill where Sikhs are currently free to wear the kirpan.

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
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34448

1-905-672-2245

spnadmin · #11 (**permalink**) 28-Feb-2011, 21:47 PM

Two articles above have been moved to be merged with an existing thread on the topic.

Seeker9 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-Mar-2011, 05:47 AM

Quote:

In 2006, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the kirpan, which Sikhs carry wrapped in fabric under their clothing, is not a weapon but a religious symbol, like a crucifix.

This should not be a problem

Quote:

And she said the Sikhs should have been ready to make an accommodation by checking their kirpans with assembly security.

May I respectfully suggest that this, in theory, should not be a problem either....although not sure what checking entails...if it is simply a self-declaration out of courtesy that is fine...if it involves any physical manhandling then I would be against that as well

khalji · #13 (**permalink**) 13-Mar-2011, 04:50 AM

Unfortunately French Canadians' maniacal need to assert their unique identity is whacking us.

IMO, we should have joined English Canadians and attacked all special privileges and status for Quebec a long time ago.

English Canada allows the French to stomp all over ENglish white Quebecers. This has emboldened them to attack Sikhs and Muslims as well.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34448
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34448

The English won the war, they should act like victors.

Mai Harinder Kaur · #14 (**permalink**) 13-Mar-2011, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khalji

Unfortunately French Canadians' maniacal need to assert their unique identity is whacking us.

IMO, we should have joined English Canadians and attacked all special privileges and status for Quebec a long time ago.

English Canada allows the French to stomp all over ENglish white Quebecers. This has emboldened them to attack Sikhs and Muslims as well.

The English won the war, they should act like victors.

KhalJi - or should it just be Khalji?

I had a whole essay written and thought better of it. Suffice to say that I agree with you.

I think the problem is that English-speaking Canadians on the whole are nice and this niceness is a very deeply ingrained cultural trait. It's an important part of the self-image. Being a gracious victor is a good thing - up to a point.

jhelmick · #15 (**permalink**) 13-Mar-2011, 09:37 AM

It seems to me that the Western world is categorically discriminating against any and all Eastern faiths. I'm in full support in proceeding cautiously in the face of terrorism but infringing on human rights and religious practice is taking it too far. Even as a non-Sikh, it's infuriating.

But one must wonder, is this ignorance or true discrimination? I think in many cases, it is ignorance, but it's unnecessary. We live in the Information Age and makes it inexcusable. There's no reason for it.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34448
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34448

Although this is Quebec we're talking about, I still find it infuriating. It just diminishes religious freedoms. It's a sad state of affairs we are in.

Respectfully,
Jesse