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NDP backs Sikh
community
WSN Network
Canada's New
Democratic Party (NDP) Human Rights Critic Wayne Marston (Hamilton
East-Stoney Creek) says the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
protects religious expression and a Calgary courthouse should have
allowed a Sikh man to enter with his kirpan, or very small
ceremonial sword.
"Sikhs have been
in Canada
for over 100 years," said Marston. "Their kirpan is recognized and
allowed inside the Supreme Court of Canada and even in the House of
Commons. I don't see why a public courthouse cannot be as
understanding."
"We understand
that no federal or provincial guidelines are in place, therefore, no
standard action for Sikhs and Canadian institutions. However, we
should be clear - the kirpan is not a weapon but a religious symbol
of faith for the community. If kirpans are not allowed in a
courtroom, are we indirectly limiting practicing Sikhs from being
lawyers or judges? This type of discrimination must be stopped
immediately."
In 2001, the NDP
introduced a motion in the House of Commons to recognize the
importance of the "5 K's", the religious symbols of faith for Sikhs.
It was introduced by NDP MP Bill Blaikie (Winnipeg-Transcona) and
was eventually accepted by all parties.
In March, 2006,
the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that a kirpan ban in schools
violates the Charter of Rights because it infringes on the Charter's
guarantees of religious freedom. In January 2007, VIA Rail modified
its regulations to allow Sikhs to wear kirpans onboard after a human
rights complaint was filed by a passenger.
23 January 2008
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