Bill seeking awareness on 'kirpan' introduced in California

Los Angeles, Mar 1 (PTI) A bill has been introduced in
California Assembly seeking to educate law enforcement
agencies about the Sikh community's cultural symbols,
including the kirpan, a move that could prevent ignorance
based harassment of the community.

The bill introduced in the California state Assembly this
week, if passed will make awareness training and instruction
about the community and its religious practices mandatory for
the state's law enforcement agencies, Los Angeles Times said.

There have been a number of instances in the US of Sikhs
facing prosecutions for carrying a 'kirpan' that is regarded
as a religious symbol by them.

"The Sikh community should not live in fear of arrest by
law enforcement for carrying the kirpan, which is an integral
part of their religious faith," according to the legislation
introduced by Assemblyman Warren Furutani.

Furutani said since the September 11 attacks in the US,
Sikhs carrying the blade, which they consider sacred, have
experienced a sharp increase in prosecutions.

If the bill is passed, California would take affirmative
steps to ensure that Sikhs are not prevented from fully
practicing their faith on the pretext of national security.

California has one of the largest Sikh populations in the
US. Furutani said the bill "recognises state's responsibility
to protect religious freedom, while ensuring public safety".
PTI WAJ
PMR