The balance between religious freedom and access to justice
is often
a difficult one. In an attempt to balance these rights,
Alberta Justice has a controversial new policy that permits kirpans
to be worn in Alberta Courts.
Kirpans are a ceremonial dagger worn by baptized
Sikhs; wearing the kirpan at all times is mandatory
according to that faith. According to Alberta Justice's
new policy, the kirpan may be worn under the individual's
clothing, must be sheathed, less than 10cm long, and must be
disclosed upon going through security.
Interestingly, less reported details of the policy also
require the individual to self-identify as a Khalsa Sikh
(which I understand to be essentially a baptized Sikh) and the
individual must have all five "articles of faith". This
includes kes (uncut hair), kanga (wooden comb), kara (steel
bracelet), kacha (short breeches), and the kirpan. This
safeguard demonstrates that the individual is in fact a devout
Sikh whose faith
