Sikhs Allowed Daggers in Canadian Schools

(Ottawa) The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that Sikh students can carry ceremonial daggers (kirpan) to class.

From theglobeandmail.com:

"Religious tolerance is a very important value of Canadian society," Madam Justice Louise Charron wrote on behalf of five of the eight judges.

"A total prohibition against wearing a kirpan to school undermines the value of this religious symbol and sends students the message that some religious practices do not merit the same protection as others."

The kirpan is usually carried in a fabric holster and, according to Palbinder Shergill, a lawyer for the Canadian branch of the World Sikh Organization, "does not pose a threat to anyone." Alexi Wood of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association said she was thrilled.

As an aside, when was the last time you heard that a civil liberties advocate was glad about weapons being allowed in schools? So much for zero tolerance, eh? The Supreme Court didn't, however, go so far as to remove the weapons restriction imposed by airlines.

It's possible that the court will soon see cases regarding head coverings for Muslim women and, frankly, I expect that the subject of Sikhs carrying daggers in schools will eventually become an issue in the U.S.