Mep Derek Clark Speaks Out For Sikhs

B.S.S.F · December 17, 2009

Over the last few years, Sikhs have been attending various events at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. However, to many people’s dismay Sikhs that wear a Kirpan are not allowed to enter the EU Parliament Building on the grounds of security and this rule still stands today.

At numerous Lobby events and Human rights Programmes Sikhs have not been allowed inside the building and have been forced to see their MEP’s at a different location. Sikhs have also held “sit in” protests which have attracted some media attention to the issue but this didn’t not lead to any change in policy.

Sikhs are allowed to enter a number high security locations in the UK including Buckingham Palace and the British Parliament. This also includes Sikhs wearing the Kirpan being in close proximity with VIP’s such as the British Prime Minister and the Queen. So on which basis the EU Parliament feels that the Kirpan is of any more risk to them than any other place is still be explained.

This also goes against the beliefs of the Freedom of Religion under the Convention on Human Rights.

Nevertheless, an MEP called Derek Clark from the UK Independence Party who has spoken in support of Sikhs and has said that he sees no reason why Sikhs cannot wear a Kirpan in the EU Parliament if they can in the UK and said that the ban was solely based due to intolerance.

Derek Clark also spoke about the ban on the Turban in France and forcefully condemn it.

It is sad to note that person for a foreign land comes out in support of Sikhs but our own so called “Panthic” leaders in Punjab and India have remained silent and not pressed for this banned to be revoked.

The British Sikh Student Federation would like to thank MEP Derek Clark and the UKIP for taking this stand and speaking out in support of the Sikhs and demanding the implementation of this very basic human right to freely practice your faith.