Statutory Regulations on the 5K’s and Turban: UK provides a good legislative framework for practicing Sikhs but the dispersed nature of this framework is difficult to understand and navigate. Introduction of Statutory Regulations with legal basis that collates current legislation and guidance will simplify and ensure consistency in preventing discrimination.
Brexit: UK Sikhs and Government often drive issues of concern across the EU. Sikhs have concerns about the European Court of Justice ruling allowing employers to prohibit wearing of visible manifestation of religious belief in the workplace. Sikhs need to be able to raise issues with those engaged in Brexit negotiations.
Caste Legislation: Sikhs believe caste and caste based discrimination is wrong and should be eliminated. The inaccurate reference to Sikhs in the caste definition (Equality Act 2010) should be removed. There should be no unintended consequences that entrench rather than eliminate caste with a focus on existing provisions before introducing new provisions.
Sikhs and India: UK political parties and Government should do more in recognising and addressing human rights abuses in India. Sikhs require an independent public inquiry, including full disclosure of documents, into UK Government involvement in the 1984 attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji complex, Amritsar by the Indian army and subsequent events.
Ethnic Monitoring of Sikhs: Sikhs call on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to agree to a separate ethnic tick box for Sikhs in the 2021 Census and to issue revised guidance to public bodies on collecting, monitoring and using ethnic group data by requiring Sikhs to be monitored as a distinct ethnic group.
OTHER ISSUES:
x Recognition and Honoring Sikh Role in World Wars
x Improved Sikh Representation in Political and Public Life
x Clearer Food Labelling of Meat Products
x Addressing Hate Crime Against Sikhs
x Support for Sikh Schools
