Pressure Of Sikh Lobby Forces Minister To Promise Code Of Practice On Sikh Articles Of Faith In Early 2010

[Nirvair S Khalsa]

PRESSURE OF SIKH LOBBY FORCES MINISTER TO PROMISE CODE OF PRACTICE ON SIKH ARTICLES OF FAITH IN EARLY 2010

On Thursday 19 November around 150 Sikh representatives took part in a lobby at the Houses of Parliament. Over 200 MPs were contacted prior to the lobby and over 100 MPs, including Ministers were lobbied on the day itself.

One of the issues covered in the lobby was the need for a Code of Practice on Sikh articles of faith. The UK Government first promised a Code of Practice four and half years ago. In the meantime Sikhs have been experiencing more and more difficulties. Many of the difficulties have related to the Kirpan, but the wearing of the Kara and the Dastaar has also been challenged.

Considerable pressure has been exerted with the issue raised through Parliamentary Questions, during Parliamentary Debates and in letters to relevant Ministers. Two weeks before the lobby the Sikh Federation (UK) wrote to Rob Marris MP, Chair All Party Parliamentary Group for UK Sikhs, regarding the Code of Practice. Rob Marris challenged the Minister to explain the latest position knowing Sikhs would be in Parliament taking up the matter at the lobby and they would want answers.

In a letter received on 20 November (sent on 17 November) the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Shahid Malik confirmed that the Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) would be producing guidance on Sikh articles of faith in early 2010 and the Sikh community would have ownership of the development of the guidance.

The EHRC is taking forward work on developing guidance in partnership with the Department for Communities and local Government (DCLG). The Home Office and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) are also participating. A meeting was held in Birmingham on 20 November to discuss a draft circulated on 17 November.

The Sikh Federation (UK) has suggested the Code of Practice is agreed with Sikh community representatives as soon as possible and to have an implementation plan for the Code by 31 March 2010.

Rob Marris MP, Chair All Party Parliamentary Group for UK Sikhs

Bhai Amrik Singh, Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK)