Sikhs and Religious Freedom in France

1
Sikhs and Religious Freedom in France

• The Sikh Coalition
• January 2004
• ltPresentergt

2
Overview

• What Is Happening?
• How are Sikhs Affected?
• What are Sikhs Doing About This?
• What Can You Do?
• Current Status

3
What Is Happening?

• On December 11, 2003, a commission appointed by
  the government of France, issued a report
  recommending that all conspicuous articles of
  faith in French public schools be banned.
• These Signs Include
• Muslim Hijaabs
• Sikh dastaars
• Jewish Skullcaps
• Christian Crosses

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How are Sikhs Affected?

• This would effectively ban French Sikh children
  from being educated in French public schools.
• "I'm 100 percent French, I speak French, I was
  born here, But it's impossible for me to take off
  my turban. If they force me, I'll have to drop
  out, and never be able to do anything except a
  job that no one else wants."
• Dhramvir Singh, a 17-year-old student who wears a
  dark blue turban knotted in front to school
  everyday.
• More than 5000 Sikhs live in the greater Paris
  area alone

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The French Response

• The measures have been acknowledged to be focused
  on Muslims, but the law would encompass many
  faiths
• Generally the French are unaware or unconcerned
  about the Sikh response.
• What? There are Sikhs in France?" "I know
  nothing about the Sikh problem. Are there many
  Sikhs in France?"
• A senior official at the Ministry of the Interior
  responsible for religious matters
• No French Sikhs were amongst the more than 200
  people interviewed in the six month preparation
  of the recommendation to the French president

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..Are there ,any Sikhs in France??

• There are about 5000-7000 Sikhs in France
• NO French Sikhs were among the more than 200
  people interviewed by the commission during its
  six-month investigation, before making this
  recommendation to the President

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French Sikhs trying to make themselves heard

• Their banner says our faith is non-negotiable!

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WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Over 80 Organization Support Sikh Coalitions
  letter to President ChiracADD YOUR ORGANIZATIO
  TO THE LIST
• Over 4800 people sign UNITED SIKHS petition HAVE
  YOU?

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• Email French President Jacques Chirac
• Send a letter to the UN Special Rapporteur on
  Freedom of religion or belief
• Contact your representatives and senators to
  support a resolution condemning the French Ban

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Is this hard to do?

• A sample letter has been sent to you.
• Finding your government representative is a few
  mouse-clicks away
• Signing a petition takes about 5 seconds
• Adding your organization is as easy as sending a
  one-line email

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You are perturbed

• .So be pro-active.
• Take these simple steps and if you want to do
  more, Please visit the Sikh Coalition website at
  www.sikhcoalition.org

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• Lets ask the French to live up to their
  professed ideals of
• Liberty, Equality and
  Fraternity

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Who will be next?

• This is a serious threat to ALL Sikhs.
• Belgium has supported Frances decision..

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Sarbat daa Phalaa

• Ask for the rights of Sikhs, Muslims, Christians
  and Jews.

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Contact Information

• For more Information
• Visit http//www.sikhcoalition.org/frenchban.asp
• Or email info_at_sikhcoalition.org
• LETS ALL TAKE ISSUE