World Sikh Council Stands in Solidarity with EU Sikhs on Kirpan Discrimination

June 6, 2006

Source: World Sikh Council - American Region Press Release

http://www.worldsikhcouncil.org/

On June 6, 2006 a World Sikh Council - American Region Press Release reported, "The World Sikh Council – America Region (WSC-AR) appreciates and stands in solidarity with the efforts of Sikhs in the European Union (EU), led by the Sikh Federation (UK), in refusing to enter the EU Parliament in Brussels, Belgium on May 31, 2006 without their kirpaans. The WSC-AR supports the courageous stand taken by the Sikh Federation (UK) by not compromising the pledge of Amritdhari (formally initiated) Sikhs to bear the kirpaan, and will work with the Sikh Federation (UK) and other sister Sikh organizations at the international level. Dr. Manohar Singh, Chairperson of WSC-AR said, 'We stand firmly with the Sikhs of Europe as they stand up for the right of Amritdhari Sikhs to bear the kirpaan as a required religious article of the Sikh faith.' In August of 2004, Mr. Kuldeep Singh, the Chairperson of WSC-AR at that time, declined an invitation to a White House event because the White House staff would not allow Amritdhari Sikhs to enter with their kirpaans and recommended that a medallion depicting the likeness of the kirpaan be worn instead. The National Council of Churches in the USA supported the position taken by WSC-AR even though the event organizers denounced this stand."