Sikhs Call on Legislators from Quebec to
Respect Minority Rights
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Highlights:
Four members of the World Sikh
Organization of Canada were invited and subsequently uninvited to the
National Assembly in Quebec after demands were made they remove their
kirpans.
Following the incident, Louise Beaudoin,
elected member of the Parti Quebecois, boldly justified the exclusion
stating “multiculturalism may be a Canadian value. But it is not a Quebec
one.”
Bloc Québécois has called for the ban to
extend to Parliament Hill where Sikhs are currently free to wear the kirpan.
Quebec, Canada: Four members of the World
Sikh Organization of Canada were refused entry into the National Assembly of
Quebec unless they removed their kirpans. UNITED SIKHS urges legislators
from Quebec to use good judgment and show respect for minorities living in
the province.
Baljit Singh, Director of UNITED SIKHS in
Toronto, expressed his grave disappointment over the discriminatory incident
that transpired on January 18, 2011 at the National Assembly of Quebec: "We
are shocked that this kind of incident would continue to be an issue in
Canada." We call on elected representatives of the National Assembly in
Quebec and the Bloc Québécois to exercise the same good judgment that exists
in the rest of Canada when dealing with articles of faith and freedom of
religion in general. The position taken by these elected representatives
does a disservice to Quebec and diminishes its image internationally". He
calls upon ordinary Quebecers to let their legislators know in no uncertain
terms that they do not take kindly to them tarnishing the image of their
province internationally by creating an impression of intolerance to
minorities in Quebec.
Sikhs are a well-integrated community in
Canada that have been continually afforded acceptance and respect for their
articles of faith by the larger community. While they remain a religious
minority, Quebec itself is a minority within English-speaking Canada. “The
kirpan always reminds me to stand for justice and equality. It is this very
notion of justice, equality and preserving one’s unique differences that
Quebec has historically fought to maintain” pointed out Ranbir Singh, UNITED
SIKHS Director in Toronto. |
Liberal MP for Mississauga
Brampton South, Navdeep Bains said, "It is necessary that our debate be
reasonable and respectful, avoiding the rhetoric which tries only to divide
Canadians."
Canadian lawyer and
community leader, Mark Persaud states: "The recent mistreatment of the
members of the Sikh community at the National Assembly in Quebec is a stark
reminder that the rights and freedoms we enjoy as Canadians are
vulnerable..." |
Canadian lawyer and community leader, Mark Persaud states:
"The recent mistreatment of the members of the Sikh community at the National
Assembly in Quebec is a stark reminder that the rights and freedoms we enjoy as
Canadians are susceptible to attack. We must constantly be on guard to protect
vulnerable religious and cultural minorities in Canada.” Mr. Persaud reminds
Quebecers of their own history of facing discrimination and prejudices and
expects legislators from Quebec to be protective of the rights of other minority
communities. He urges the Quebec people to speak out against this unfortunate
incident and demand measures by the legislature to protect minorities and
prevent any future embarrassment to the province.
Liberal MP for Mississauga Brampton South, Navdeep Bains,
further reinforced the need to promote respect and understanding. In his speech
to the House of Commons Mr. Bains states he has always worn his kirpan since his
election in 2004 without a problem and "it is necessary that our debate be
reasonable and respectful, avoiding the rhetoric which tries only to divide
Canadians." To watch the speech, please click here and read the English
translation here.
Although the incident at the Quebec Assembly was regrettable
and unfortunate, it provides an opportunity for dialogue with the various
communities that enrich Quebec and Canada. UNITED SIKHS stands in solidarity
with the global Sikh community and the political leaders that have condemned the
incident. Sikhs look up to the ordinary citizens of Quebec to stand with them
and ensure that a similar event does not occur in the future.
For background information on the incident and current kirpan
accommodation laws and policies in Canada, please click here.
Issued by:
Susan Kaur
Legal Fellow
law-canada@unitedsikhs.org |