Sikhs 'disappointed' by Quebec Vote Barring Kirpans from Assembly

spnadmin · #1 (**permalink**) 10-Feb-2011, 11:50 AM

[B]Sikhs 'disappointed' by Quebec vote barring kirpans from assembly[/B

QUEBEC — Members of Canada's Sikh community said they were 'disappointed' Wednesday evening after Quebec's national assembly adopted a motion by a vote of 113-0 supporting the decision by security workers to bar four Sikhs who came to the assembly to testify on Bill 94, banning Islamic face coverings.

The four refused to remove their kirpans, small ceremonial daggers. 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.

"We're disappointed that the wearing of the kirpan, which is a human rights issue, has been politicized," Balpreet Singh, legal counsel representing the World Sikh Organization of Canada, said in a statement. "Today's vote represents a turn away from the values of tolerance and multiculturalism."

Louise Beaudoin, the Parti Quebecois member for Montreal's Rosemont riding, presented the motion, telling reporters she did so because provincial Immigration Minister Kathleen Weil remained neutral on the kirpan ban.

Beaudoin said she wanted to know where Weil stands on the issue of security versus religious freedom.

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

"Frankly, they could have made an effort to respect our institutions and our values," she told reporters.

Beaudoin noted that while Weil says the Liberal government is neutral, there are no legal texts in the province affirming that neutrality.

"We want to amend the charter of rights and liberties," Beaudoin said.

At present, Quebec's human rights charter states that all rights are equal, calling for accommodation when conflicts arise to ensure all rights are respected.

Beaudoin said multiculturalism is a Canadian value, not a Quebec value.

She said multiculturalism was promoted in the 1970s by the late Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau, in the hope that the "French-Canadian minority" would be marginalized among all other minorities in Canada.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/canada/34448-sikhs-disappointed-quebec-vote-barring-kirpans.html

She called multiculturalism "divisive" and pointed out that no Quebec government has signed the 1982 constitution, enshrining multiculturalism as a Canadian value.

"It seems this debate is no longer about the niqab or the kirpan, it's about the inclusion of minorities in Quebec," said Singh.

Weil said assembly constables were acting within their jurisdiction in asking the Sikhs to check their kirpans.

"We are all agreed," the minister said. "We support the decision that was taken in January."

While the PQ wants the government to adopt a law banning all ostentatious religious signs, ending the "case-by-case" process of granting "reasonable accommodations" for religious differences, Weil said her Bill 94, dealing solely with Islamic face coverings, such as the niqab or burka, is "common sense."

And she noted polls, when Bill 94 was presented, showing 95 per cent support in Quebec and 80 per cent support in the rest of Canada for her position.

Carole Poirier, the PQ legislator for Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, said banning the kirpan was justified by the May 8, 1984, shooting spree, when Cpl. Denis Lortie, armed with two machine guns, burst into the assembly building, killing three people and wounding 13 others.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34448

"Are we going to allow the Supreme Court of Canada to dictate to us?" Poirier asked.

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/...#ixzz1DWvuWpzj

Mai Harinder Kaur · #2 (**permalink**) 10-Feb-2011, 17:00 PM

I am not 'disappointed.' I am furious. I am ashamed of the traitorous Bloc Quebec (BQ), although my mother's family are long-time supporters.

However, this is not unexpected. I think all Sikhs in Quebec, including all my family on my Dad's side, ought to simply pack up and move. If they won't respect our kirpans, let us not give them our economic support. Alberta and British Columbia are really nice. So are all the others. Except Quebec. Canada is a big country.

Ambarsaria · #3 (**permalink**) 11-Feb-2011, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mai Harinder Kaur

I am not 'disappointed.' I am furious. I am ashamed of the traitorous Bloc Quebec (BQ), although my mother's family are long-time supporters.

However, this is not unexpected. I think all Sikhs in Quebec, including all my family on my Dad's side, ought to simply pack up and move. If they won't respect our kirpans, let us not give them our economic support. Alberta and British Columbia are really nice. So are all the others. Except Quebec. Canada is a big country.

Mai Harinder Kaur ji,

,Slowly but surely they are destroying a great Province that it once was. Great shame.

Sat Sri Akal.

Mai Harinder Kaur · #4 (**permalink**) 11-Feb-2011, 04:44 AM

*Sob* motherlylove I am a Quebecer. I will always be a Quebecer. Watching my dear and beloved home betraying itself and me is painful. As I have said, though, not unexpected. Again, I call for all Sikhs just to get up and leave Quebec. Just pick up and go. I know it's the middle of winter and Quebec winters are no joke, but we need to send a strong message that we will not let ourselves be so disrespected. If necessary, go in the spring. Write to the newspapers and make sure the people know why you are leaving. The government of Quebec may not like us and our kirpans, but they love our hard work and our money. Let's take those somewhere they will be appreciated instead of wasting them on such unappreciative people.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34448

Students, I know that McGill University, my alma mater, is one of the great universities of Canada, but there are others. You, too, need to stand up and leave. Just out of curiosity, are you allowed your kirpan on campus? If you are now, I guarantee that won't last.

I would hope that come summer there is not a single Sikh left in the province.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34448

animatedkhanda1

Kanwaljit Singh · #5 (**permalink**) 11-Feb-2011, 05:33 AM

Quote:

I would hope that come summer there is not a single Sikh left in the province.

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa
Waheguru ji ki Fateh ji

When has the entire Sikh nations taken such a drastic step for their faith?

anakhiput · #6 (**permalink**) 11-Feb-2011, 05:35 AM

its a shame as it seems french thinking quebec has to go this way as no wonder same applies in france nothing personal but what is there problem

spnadmin · #7 (**permalink**) 11-Feb-2011, 07:52 AM

Quote:

The government of Quebec may not like us and our kirpans, but they love our hard work and our money.

This is the crow that always comes home to roost.

Ambarsaria · #8 (**permalink**) 11-Feb-2011, 22:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anakhiput

its a shame as it seems french thinking quebec has to go this way as no wonder same applies in france nothing personal but what is there problem

anakhiput ji I believe I may have some comments that explains it.

I believe French culture and people speaking French across the world feel defensive due to,

Economic conditions
Surrounded by English speaking world that is growing
Immigration populations growing
Threat of culture and heritage dilution

With the above conditions people and countries react,

They target minorities who,
- Look different
- May be culturally different
- Who they believe are not as committed to French or such culture
Political parties are masters of exploiting such situations,
- At the time of their choice
  - More likely when they are,
    - Low in polls
    - Election looming
- At a place of their choice
What do you get,
- Discrimination
- Actions to stir emotions of the majority
- Etc.

I hope the above sheds some light.

Sat Sri Akal.

SSingh11 · #9 (**permalink**) 27-Feb-2011, 21:21 PM

Please join us in requesting the Quebec National Assembly to respect minority and religious rights by signing the Petition provided from the link below.

This petition is organized by UNITED SIKHS a U.N. affiliated, international non-profit, non-governmental, humanitarian relief, human development and advocacy organization, aimed at empowering those in need, especially disadvantaged and minority communities across the world. (See www.unitedsikhs.org)

Details of the issue are available in the Notes section.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34448

http://unitedsikhs.o...cKirpanPetition