Please Get Involved, Click here and Join UNITED SIKHS To receive forthcoming bulletins join our UNITED SIKHS Yahoo group To donate go to www.unitedsikhs.org/donate This Press Release may be read online at: https://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-16-07-2009-00.htm Press Release: 16th Jul 2009, 1st Saavan (Samvat 541 Nanakshahi ) Press Release
"Today is the day, 264 years ago, when a Sikh martyr, Bhai Taru Singh, was scalped alive, by the oppressive rulers of the day, because he refused to give up his faith that required him to wear his hair unshorn. Ironically, today, our lawyers learnt that the European Court of Human Rights has dismissed Jasvir Singh’s right to wear his religiously mandated turban to school, denying him a right to practice his faith,":Mejindarpal Kaur, UNITED SIKHS legal director "Sikhs are striving for a society in which all faiths coexist in harmony, where the expression of religion and culture is a celebration of diversity. By contrast, the Court’s decision allows states to suppress expressions of religious diversity, apparently as a means of promoting peace. It is a depressingly negative view of the state’s role in promoting religious tolerance. The UN Human Rights Committee, which is also considering this issue, has called on France to justify its ban on the wearing of religious signs.": Stephen Grosz, UNITED SIKHS London based lawyer. STRASBOURG, France: The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) dismissed last month the first legal challenge, since France passed a law in 2004 banning religious signs in schools, filed by UNITED SIKHS on behalf of Jasvir Singh. The decision, against which there is no leave to appeal, and which was communicated to UNITED SIKHS lawyers today, has strengthened the resolve of the Sikh community globally to rise to the challenge and defy odds to regain their right. The Court, without requiring France to respond to Jasvir Singh's legal arguments, has following the decision it made last November in the Islamic headscarf physical education cases (which pre-dated the 2004 law), by ruling that the ban on turbans is a proportionate response to the aims of protection of the rights and freedoms of others and the protection of public order.
You may read a previous UNITED SIKHS' press release on the Right to Turban campaign at: https://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-15-12-2008-00.htm Issued by: WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN, BUT WE NEED YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
Our Mission To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity. UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for networking between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful projects and dialogues - whether social, cultural or political- to promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns and cities. UNITED SIKHS is a coalition of organisations and individuals, who share a common vision based on the belief that there is no greater endeavour than to serve, empower and uplift fellow beings. The core of our philosophy is an unwavering commitment to civic service and social progress on behalf of the common good. Accordingly, UNITED SIKHS has sought to fulfil its mission not only by informing, educating and uplifting fellow beings but also by participating in cross-cultural and political exchanges to ensure that the promises and benefits of democracy are realized by all. We at UNITED SIKHS believe that the development of enlightened and progressive societies can be made possible by socially conscious groups of people who make a commitment to develop and direct human potential. Our work, efforts and achievements stand as a testament to our faith in this vision. |