Queensland Sikh May Carry Knives in Public places By John Steele
This decision by the Queensland Supreme Court, that Sikhs may carry their traditional knife, the kirpan in public places, was made on the grounds it would be discriminatory not to allow this. I don’t have any objection to this. However, I think a basic right of self-defence should permit Australians to be able to have weapons for self-defence, and carry, perhaps concealed. It would mean less chance of women being preyed upon at night, such as nurses leaving work in the dark to get to car parks. But be sure, the right to self-defence, something that our culture had in the past, will get no defence in this Big Sister society. In this sense we are not citizens, but mere subjects of the state. Self defence should be more basic than any law, because without it, one ceases to be an individual, or even exist.
“Carrying knives in public places and schools in Queensland was subject to a blanket ban — until this week.
Key points:
- A Supreme Court appeal has ruled that Sikhs may carrying a Kirpan for religious reasons
- The religion requires Sikh people to carry five objects at all times, including the ceremonial knife
- Judges said their decision was not about overturning bans on children carrying knives
The Queensland Supreme Court has ruled that the ban is unconstitutional under the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA).
Australian Sikh woman Kamaljit Kaur Athwal took the state government to court last year, claiming the Weapons Act discriminated against the carrying of her religion's ceremonial sword, the Kirpan.
For religious reasons, a Sikh person must carry five objects with them at all times as religious markers of identity.
One of those is the silver bangle, or Kara, and another is the Kirpan.
In essence, Ms Athwal argued that the law prohibiting knives barred Sikhs from entering school grounds, which contravened the RDA.
Lawyer Claire Coles, who represented Ms Athwal, said the court had a difficult task "to balance the human rights of individuals to practice their religion and express their faith with the human rights of student and teacher safety".
"[Ms Athwal] is very pleased with the court's decision," she said.
"For too long legislation prevented practising Sikhs from participating in their school communities.
"Today marks the day that members of the Sikh faith can practice their faith and positively participate without discrimination as proud members of their local school communities."
Comments