Sikhism In Canada

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In Canada there have been issues raised regarding wearing symbols of religion that could potentially be dangerous, in public areas like schools. One such symbol is the ceremonial dagger, known as a Kirpan, worn by Orthodox Sikhs. Sikhism is a religion that was formed in the South of Asia during the 15th century. It is based off of several fundamental beliefs including selfless service, remembering their “Lord” or “One Creator Lord”, living as honestly as possible and helping finding a sense of wholeness in life. As an Orthodox Sikh who has been baptized, one must wear the five Khakkars, which are holy objects, at all times: the Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (a metal bracelet), Kangha (a wooden comb), Kachera (a form of cotton undergarments), and finally the Kirpan (a strapped curved dagger). Whether or not to ban the Kirpan in schools has become a very debatable topic that has come into courts numerous times. …show more content…

The school decided to ban the kirpan as they believed it was endangering the other children at the school. When the Singh family appealed this issue to the Supreme Court, the Court overruled the school as they believed ban infringed Singh’s religious freedom and in an 8-0 decision, allowed the kirpan to be worn in

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