Sikh Queenslanders allowed to carry ceremonial knives in schools after court ruling

[danieldemol]

Wasn't sure if this belongs in religious news or political debates, but I suppose the mods can move it if necessary;

'Sikh Queenslanders allowed to carry ceremonial knives in schools after court ruling​

The Kirpan resembles a small, blunt sword that is usually worn beneath clothing...
...Carrying knives in public places and schools in Queensland was subject to a blanket ban — until this week.'

Source: A Queensland court just allowed some people to carry knives in schools. Here's why

So basically from what I gather as a student you are only allowed to carry a knife in queensland schools for religious reasons after the courts overturned an earlier decision.

The article notes that the Sikh kirpan is blunt, but if it mentioned that there is a requirement for religious weapons to be blunt I must have missed it.

 

[John53]

I googled images of Kirpans, even if blunt the pointy end would be able to do a lot of damage.

And I wonder how far this law goes. Will Sikh prisoners be allowed to carry them in prison? On the other hand I have never heard of anyone being attacked by a Kirpan. I'm glad I'm not involved in the decision making.

 

[syo]

Big deal. Humpf

In Greece military medical students carry swords. So what?

 

[lewisnotmiller]

I googled images of Kirpans, even if blunt the pointy end would be able to do a lot of damage.

And I wonder how far this law goes. Will Sikh prisoners be allowed to carry them in prison? On the other hand I have never heard of anyone being attacked by a Kirpan. I'm glad I'm not involved in the decision making.

Hey @John53
There was an attack in Australia at a school. That is what led to the original (but temporary) ban, while they tried to determine the long term position.
(There is a link in the OPs article actually)

When I last checked in on this case, some of the suggestions were around allowing them, but rendering them more safe. However, it apears they'll simply be allowed.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Big deal. Humpf

In Greece military medical students carry swords. So what?

I think you're missing the point. There are rules against carrying knives in Australia. A religious exception has been made.

Whether you agree or not, that's noteworthy.

I'm assuming it's not only one religious group who carry swords in medical school.

 

[syo]

There are rules against carrying knives in Australia.

What??? Why???

 

[lewisnotmiller]

What??? Why???

To try and discourage stabby-stabby situations.

 

[syo]

To try and discourage stabby-stabby situations.

I carry a pocket knife.

 

[John53]

I carry a pocket knife.

A blade less than 75mm (3") is ok, in my state at least.

Other knives are allowed with a reasonable excuse, like a butcher or chef going to work, handyman etc.

 

[John53]

Hey @John53
There was an attack in Australia at a school. That is what led to the original (but temporary) ban, while they tried to determine the long term position.
(There is a link in the OPs article actually)

When I last checked in on this case, some of the suggestions were around allowing them, but rendering them more safe. However, it apears they'll simply be allowed.

Interesting. I wonder what will happen if there's another attack. Will the judges be held responsible

 

[Treks]

Carrying the 5 Ks (of which kirpan is one) is only an obligation for initiated Sikhs.

I'm curious what percentage of school students are actually initiated and taking their religious obligation seriously enough to genuinely require this exemption.

 

[John53]

Carrying the 5 Ks (of which kirpan is one) is only an obligation for initiated Sikhs.

I'm curious what percentage of school students are actually initiated and taking their religious obligation seriously enough to genuinely require this exemption.

I think it's more parents couldn't participate in school activities. Fete's, tuckshop, sporting events...

 

[Callisto]

I googled images of Kirpans, even if blunt the pointy end would be able to do a lot of damage.

And I wonder how far this law goes. Will Sikh prisoners be allowed to carry them in prison? On the other hand I have never heard of anyone being attacked by a Kirpan. I'm glad I'm not involved in the decision making.

Seems attacks are not all that uncommon, this site lists some cases though it doesn't look like it's been updated in a while. Also, if you go to Google News and type "kirpan attacks" there are some incidents in the past year, from India to Canada.

 

[danieldemol]

Big deal. Humpf

In Greece military medical students carry swords. So what?

Well I would expect members of the military to be armed, but school children? Seems like a different scenario to me.

 

[Quintessence]

Great news! I don't recall much about Sikhism from the world religious survey I did over a decade ago now, but one of the things I do remember is the practice of keeping sacred ceremonial knives being important to them. Very nice to see this exception granted!

 

[Subduction Zone]

There are some very realistic looking rubber knives. Could that be a possible solution?

 

[Treks]

I think it's more parents couldn't participate in school activities. Fete's, tuckshop, sporting events...

We'll need a bit more clarity as the article basically says that schools can still ban students from carrying knives.

If it's just adults visiting the school, that's fine.

@Callisto I think you'll find the Canadian violence is mostly, if not entirely, Khalistani-related. These are a group demanding a Sikh homeland be created, called Khalistan.

 

[Treks]

Great news! I don't recall much about Sikhism from the world religious survey I did over a decade ago now, but one of the things I do remember is the practice of keeping sacred ceremonial knives being important to them. Very nice to see this exception granted!

We hear about the knives a lot more than the underwear

 

[danieldemol]

I think it's more parents couldn't participate in school activities. Fete's, tuckshop, sporting events...

Upon re-reading the article I think you are correct.
'Judges said their decision was not about overturning bans on children carrying knives' from the OP article.

Must have missed it, thanks for the catch.

 

[vulcanlogician]

The article notes that the Sikh kirpan is blunt, but if it mentioned that there is a requirement for religious weapons to be blunt I must have missed it.

Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, 2nd edition. It explicitly states that the cleric class may not ever shed blood by using a bladed or piercing weapon. Instead (like civilized folk) they must only use bludgeoning weapons when they are murdering some other being.