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Sikhs Refused Theme Park Entry in UK Because of Kirpan
Sikhs Refused Theme Park Entry in UK
SIKH CHILDREN
The Coventry primary school teacher wears the Kirpan - a holy dagger - to express his Sikh faith, but was told by park staff that he could not wear it because of health and safety reasons.
The Kirpan is mandatory for everyone who goes through the Sikh equivalent of baptism, along with four other articles of faith.
A blogger who saw the incident claims the man was offered another Kirpan to wear as a necklace, which was considered a poor alternative.
The case has now been picked up by the Sikh Press Association, which is seeking discussions with Drayton Manor to resolve the issue.
The case has now been picked up by the Sikh Press Association, which is seeking discussions with Drayton Manor to resolve the issue.
The family was celebrating their son's sixth birthday and had spent hundreds of pounds on tickets, a friend said.
Mr Singh, from Coventry was in breach of health and safety rules when he refused to exchange his Kirpan for a replacement necklace, the park said.
Sikh elders advised that could be worn as an acceptable substitute, it added.
Kirpans have not been allowed to be worn in the park for "a number of years" because of health and safety risks, the park said, adding, it was "regrettable" the family did not take up their offer and were denied entry.
The dagger, or sword, is one of five Ks initiated, or baptised, Sikhs wear.
The others are Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (a steel bracelet), Kanga (a wooden comb) and Kaccha - also spelt, Kachh, Kachera - (cotton underwear).
The family friend described what happened at the park near Tamworth, Staffordshire on 2 June in a blog under the name of The Secret Psychiatrist.
The friend said they were "ashamed" and "disgusted" by the incident that had spoiled a happy family day out.
The Sikh Press Association, which is liaising with the family and a Sikh legal advocacy team, said together they were calling for the park's rules to be changed.
Mr Singh, from Coventry was in breach of health and safety rules when he refused to exchange his Kirpan for a replacement necklace, the park said.
Sikh elders advised that could be worn as an acceptable substitute, it added.
Kirpans have not been allowed to be worn in the park for "a number of years" because of health and safety risks, the park said, adding, it was "regrettable" the family did not take up their offer and were denied entry.
The dagger, or sword, is one of five Ks initiated, or baptised, Sikhs wear.
The others are Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (a steel bracelet), Kanga (a wooden comb) and Kaccha - also spelt, Kachh, Kachera - (cotton underwear).
The family friend described what happened at the park near Tamworth, Staffordshire on 2 June in a blog under the name of The Secret Psychiatrist.
The friend said they were "ashamed" and "disgusted" by the incident that had spoiled a happy family day out.
The Sikh Press Association, which is liaising with the family and a Sikh legal advocacy team, said together they were calling for the park's rules to be changed.
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