Sikh Federation: Wearing A Kirpan At The London Olympics Issue

[Aman0001]

Lord Coe from the Olympic committee wrote to the Sikh Federation on March 18^th 2011. I don’t have a soft copy but the letter stated:-

Dear Mr Singh

Thank you for your letter and kind invitation to speak to the Sikh community.

I am grateful for the invitation and I would love to be able to help, but sadly I have immovable London 2012 commitments on Tuesday 22^nd March.

However, on the issue of the Kirpan we have been very clear. At games-time, small symbolic ceremonial daggers (an article of faith with a maximum blade length of 3 inches) carried for religious reasons will be allowed. We have worked closely with the Sikh Community and the Metropolitan Police on our plans in this area, and published this statement on our website and I would appreciate your help in communicating this to your federation.

The Sikh community has played a major role from the outset of the bid to host the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games here in London. For three years now, LOCOG has worked closely with the Sikh Community representatives on our Faith Reference Group, our forum to discuss and agree our approach to faith related issues. I look forward to that group continuing its work over the next 18 months.

Thanks for writing and I hope this provides some clarity for you.

With best wishes.

Sebastian Coe KBE Chairman

[Aman0001]

Letter from Lord Coe. Click to view:-

[liveandletlive]

So we can't wear our own legal Kirpan and instead have to swap for a smaller one?

Or have i read it wrong?

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Further guidance will be coming out.

We met LOCOG staff, police and security on Monday. Very productive meeting.

LOCOG is now finalising policy, drafting procedures and training for sceuirty staff.

It will be positive developments that build on the letter which said Kirpans would be allowed, but stipulated a size - indicating a maximum blade length of 3 inches. This was stated without consultation with Sikhs - there was consultation on Monday and hopefully there will be greater flexibility, but please wait for policy, procedure and Sikh Federation (UK) will share.

As will be metal detectors at all venues - we also clarified the position as regards the KARA - no Sikhs will be asked to remove these when going through security, hand held metal detectors will be used for dastaars - no touching by hands.

[liveandletlive]

Thanks for the update.

FYI Sikhs are being asked to remove the Kara at Heathrow Airport. I have personally experienced this recently.

I won't attending Olympics if we have to be restricted in anyway shape or form. I think all Sikhs should boycott is we will be treated as second rate citizens.

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Thanks for the update.

FYI Sikhs are being asked to remove the Kara at Heathrow Airport. I have personally experienced this recently.

I won't attending Olympics if we have to be restricted in anyway shape or form. I think all Sikhs should boycott is we will be treated as second rate citizens.

If a Sikh is asked to remove the Kara he or she should refuse.

At the Olympics we have told LOCOG that security guards should be taught not to ask any Sikhs to remove the Kara.