CA Kirpan Education Bill Passes First Hurdle

April 2, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Sikh Coalition

http://www.sikhcoalition.org/advisories/CAKirpanBillFirstHurdle.htm

A unanimous vote on Tuesday brings a proposed Kirpan Education Bill one step closer to mandating training for California law enforcement officers. It will now move on to the next step of the legislative process before becoming a law. This good news comes just days before we celebrate the 310th anniversary of Vaisakhi - the day the Sikh community was given our identity, Tuesday's vote marks a significant step towards creating an environment where Sikhs can practice our faith with respect and dignity in California.

A Kirpan Education Bill

The proposed law (AB 504), just passed by the California Assembly's Public Safety Committee, would require training about the kirpan for every law enforcement officer who has the ability to make an arrest in California. The bill states explicitly, "It is the Legislature's goal to promote education and awareness of the carrying of the kirpan by Sikhs in California."