Gurbaj Singh Multani was aged 12 when the controversy erupted
Canadian Sikhs should be allowed to wear small daggers central to their faith when they go to school, the country's Supreme Court has ruled. In an 8-0 judgement, the court reversed the ruling of a Montreal school board, which banned Gurbaj Singh Multani from wearing his dagger, known as a kirpan. The kirpan is deemed sacred by Sikhs as a symbol of power and truth. School authorities banned the kirpan in 2001 after an objection by a parent concerned about pupil security. Announcing the judgement, the Supreme Court said that a total ban on kirpans violated the country's Charter of Rights. The charter guarantees total religious freedom within Canada. Safety debate "Religious tolerance is a very important value of Canadian society," Justice Louise Charron wrote in the judgement. "If some students consider it unfair that Gurbaj Singh may wear his kirpan to school, it is incumbent on the schools to discharge their obligation to instil in their students this value that is... at the very foundation of our democracy."
As a parent, is the life and safety of a child more important than religious freedom? I think so
Claude Bouchard Quebec Federation of Parents' Committees
The government of Quebec had backed the Montreal school board, which imposed the ban. Parents campaigning for tighter restrictions on weapons in school were dismayed by the ruling. "My first reaction as a parent is a feeling of insecurity," Claude Bouchard of the Quebec Federation of Parents' Committees, told Reuters news agency. "As a parent, is the life and safety of a child more important than religious freedom? I think so." Old tradition The ruling did allow some restrictions to be imposed on kirpans worn in public, including limiting their length and keeping them sheathed and worn underneath clothes. Nevertheless, Gurbaj Singh Multani, who was 12 when he was suspended and then removed from his school, welcomed the judgement. "Everybody stood for their rights. I got it. I'm happy," he said outside the court. Orthodox Sikhs have been required to carry kirpans since the 17th century, and insist it is not a weapon. About 250,000 Sikhs live in Canada, with 10% considered orthodox.
While we like to respect everyone's rights and religion, still to outrule any danger to our children, already way to exposed to violent acts seems far more important. Even if the kirpan is not used for an act of violence by his owner, who is to guarantie that someone else will not snatch it and use it as a weapon? What ever happened to the power people are supposed to have in this world, the right to outrule and outvote certain laws and regulations?
Ed Kostro got a very good vision there, and a very scary one!
Birgit and Roger
Orthodox Sikhs have been required to carry kirpans since the 17th century, and insist it is not a weapon, but a symbol of power and truth.
That should make everyone feel a lot better, and I've believed that the world has gone mad for some time now, Peter. I also sadly know several people that teach their children that hunting animals is their inherent right and their 'religion.' And their bird shotguns and deer rifles are not 'weapons' either, but their symbols of power and truth.
I can now envision a new battle soon raging, in which these parents now also insist that their kids be allowed to carry their 'religious symbols' to school as well.
A beguiling state of affairs for sure. At what point does a government curtail the religious rights of individuals in order to insure the safety of communities? I suspect the primary responsibility lies with the individual to respect the sense of vulnerability and threat perceived by those different from themselves in cross-cultural environments. Ultimately, it boils down to extensive ongoing education about each other's differences, communication, cooperation, compromise, and the establishment of civil harmony as a central goal--I think. Possibly it's in the mad clash and dissolution of cultural and political boundaries that our world is actually--though also quite painfully--making its way toward sanity. Thanks for sharing this interesting piece Mr. Paton.
Aberjhani
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Being a great dad is challenging enough when you’re part of a two-person team. But now you’re raising your kids single-handedly. How can you provide the emotional, physical, and spiritual support your
As a parent, is the life and safety of a child more important than religious freedom? I think so 
Ed Kostro got a very good vision there, and a very scary one!
Birgit and Roger
That should make everyone feel a lot better, and I've believed that the world has gone mad for some time now, Peter. I also sadly know several people that teach their children that hunting animals is their inherent right and their 'religion.' And their bird shotguns and deer rifles are not 'weapons' either, but their symbols of power and truth.
I can now envision a new battle soon raging, in which these parents now also insist that their kids be allowed to carry their 'religious symbols' to school as well.
Aberjhani