Metal Dectectors In London Tube & Train

[Degha Singh]

Possible template letter you can copy and paste:

Dear [MP NAME],

I am contacting you in regards to metal detectors being introduced on the London Underground. I am a practising Sikh who wears a Kirpan (a ceremonial sword) which is an article of faith, part of the 5K's Sikh uniform. I am concerned about how these metal detectors in the London Underground and also some train stations (such as New Street station, Birmingham) will affect me and fellow Sikhs.

Legally Sikhs are permitted to wear the Kirpan and practice their faith freely in accordance to the Criminal Justice Act 1988. However, from past experience it is evident that security staff is not always aware of Sikhs, never mind the Kirpan. However, after explaining about the Kirpan the problem is usually overcome. But it is unnecessary hassle and inconvenience, which can be easily avoided with appropriate training.

I request you to please find out how the metal detectors being used by the London Transport will affect Sikhs and whether the London Transport staff and police have received guidelines and training on Sikhs travelling on the Underground, and whether the legal right to wear the Kirpan will be safeguarded.

Please reply back with a response.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Waheguru....this doesn't look too good for Sikhs in UK......I hope Sikh organizations are able to lobby with mps and get an exemption for Sikhs with the Kirpan.......

I would change the wording in the letter though.......I don't think its right to call Siri Sahib a 'ceremonial' sword.....this is not accurate description......the ppl from sikh coalition generally call it religious sword......

it def is not ceremonial.....Kirpans are meant to be used.....if a Sikh must.......

but that aside.....Gursikhs in uk need to lobby now.....because once the policy is set in place it will be very difficult to implement retroactive changes.....ACT NOW!!

[ms514]

Sat Sri Akal:

http://unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRL...-05-2006-00.htm

__________________________________________________________________________

Press Release: Sunday, 7 May 2006 24 Vaisaakh, Samvat 538 Nanakshai

UK Sikhs Fear Discrimination as Knife Detectors Introduced at Train Stations

Community Ask for Police Assurance that Knife Detecting Measures Will Not Infringe on Kirpan Wearers Rights

London, United Kingdom: The British Police have been asked for a public assurance that Kirpan-wearing Sikhs will not be discriminated against as knife detectors are introduced at train stations. UNITED SIKHS highlighted their concern last week in letters to the Metropolitan Police, the British Transport Police, the West Midlands Police and the Association of Chief Police Officers. Under Operation Shield, knife detectors which have been used in London, Birmingham and Liverpool train stations since February, will eventually be used at all stations across the United Kingdom. To read the letter to Police click here.

Whilst the Sikh community recognises and supports the campaign to promote and establish a safe society, the letters urge the Police to treat Kirpan-wearers fairly and respectfully. In the UK, Sikhs have a legal right to wear the Kirpan (one of their five Sikh articles of faith) by key legislation such as Section 139 (5) (b) and © of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty, and Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the latter of which protects and allows individuals to practice and observe their chosen religion.

Kirpan-wearing Sikhs are requested to report their grievance and experience in dealing with the knife detectors by clicking here. UNITED SIKHS shall provide enforcement agencies with feedback from the community.

In the letter, UNITED SIKHS has also requested the police to provide further information regarding:

1. All the courses of action that will be taken to ensure that Kirpan-wearing Sikhs are not discriminated against;

2. The procedures and policies implemented by the Police in relation to the knife detection methods and how they will affect the wearing of the kirpan;

3. The awareness and training given to police officers regarding the Kirpan;

4. The guidance given to officers regarding searching Kirpan-wearing Sikhs.

UNITED SIKHS eagerly awaits for responses to the issues raised within the letter and is confident an amicable arrangement can be reached.

Issued by:

Jaspreet Kaur

Legal Officer

International Civil and Human Rights Advocacy

UNITED SIKHS