LONDON, UK—The introduction of new “Offensive Weapons Bill-2018” in the UK will not make any impact on the right of British Sikhs to possess and carry their “Kirpan” (symbol of religious faith). An amendment to this Bill has been confirmed by the UK government which ensures the maintenance of the status quo on possession of the “Kirpan”.
“After due deliberations with the Sikh community on the issue of “Kirpan”, we have amended the Bill to ensure that the possession and supply of large “Kirpan” for religious reasons can continue,” a UK Home Office spokesperson said on November 29.
It is learnt that various readings of the UK’s new “Offensive Weapons Bill-2018” have been completed in the House of Commons and the bill has been moved to the House of Lords for approval. This Bill will pave way for the UK government to ban the sale of bladed articles and corrosive products once it gets approved.
“I am pleased to see the government amendment and look forward to seeing an accompanying set of documentation, which reflects the importance of not criminalizing the Sikh community for the sale or possession of large Kirpans,” said Labor MP Preet Kaur Gill, Chair of the APPG for British Sikhs
