Labour Race & Faith Manifesto Pledges to Defend Right to Wear Religious Dress for Sikhs and Others

LONDON, UK—The UK Labour Party has today published its Race and Faith Manifesto for the General Election taking place on 8^th June 2017. 

As part of the Race & Faith Manifesto, Labour is committing to address a longstanding issue for UK Sikhs by defending the right of Sikhs to wear religious dress.  Practicing (Amritdhari) Sikhs are required to wear the five K’s and also wear a turban.  These articles of faith are mandatory for Amritdhari Sikhs and several of them will be worn by all Sikhs.

Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Tom Watson said, “The Labour Party believes in a society where faith is valued and people are able to practice their faith freely.  I know how important it is for Sikhs to be able to wear their articles of faith but I’m also aware of the challenges that can arise when they do so.  By making a commitment to defend Sikhs’ right to wear their articles of faith Labour is addressing an issue of real concern for the UK’s Sikh community.”

Watson added, “The Sikh community is well-established and there is a long shared history between Sikhs and the UK. But although there are some protections for Sikhs in law, the existing legal framework rests on a wide range of legislation and guidance that is often unrelated and does not always provide the protection Parliament intended. I will work with Sikh organisations, including Sikhs for Labour, to examine how Parliament can bring the existing protections together so they are simpler to understand and easier to implement.”

Statutory Regulations on the 5K’s and Turban

Sikhs accept that the legislative and regulatory framework within the UK is amongst the best in the world for observant and practicing Sikhs.  However, there continues to be difficulties experienced by Sikhs which present challenges to Sikhs to freely practice their faith.  These difficulties tend to concern the wearing of Kara, Kirpan or Turban in a multitude of environments.

There are many pieces of legislation and guidance from Government and other bodies addressing varying aspects that Sikhs rely upon when facing difficulties.  However, due to the dispersed nature of this legislation and guidance it can be difficult for employers, officials and public and private organisations to understand their responsibilities and the rights of Sikhs.

Introduction of Statutory Regulations that collates current legislation and guidance and that has legal basis will help simplify and ensure consistency thus preventing discrimination in the workplace, public spaces and by public and private organisations.

Such a Statutory Regulations document could also include guidelines on the protocol when visiting Gurdwaras, participating in Guru Ka Langar and understanding and respecting Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.