Launch of Hate Crime Monitoring: Platform for UK Sikhs

Sikh Council UK is pleased to announce the formation of Sikh Aware UK, the first ever hate crime monitoring platform for the Sikh community in the UK in partnership with several supporting partner organisations including Network of Sikh Organisations, Khalsa Foundation, City Sikhs, Metropolitan Police Sikh Association, West Midlands Police Sikh Association, Home Office Sikh Association, Sikh Network, Sikh Helpline, Sikh Women’s Alliance and Gursevak Trust

Sikhs will be able to access Sikh Aware UK online to log anti-Sikh hate, discrimination, harassment and racism in all forms including all incidents of hatred where Sikhs are victims

It is widely acknowledged there is underreporting of anti-Sikh hate crimes. In recent years Sikhs have been susceptible to attacks in particular due to their distinct identity in the form of the Sikh dastar (turban). In some cases Sikhs are the victims of hate crimes where the perpetrators are in fact motivated by Islamophobia. In response to Freedom of Information requests from the Network of Sikh Organisations the Metropolitan Police confirmed one in four victims of Islamophobia hate crimes recorded by the Metropolitan Police in 2015 and 2016 were actually non-Muslims.

Gurmel Singh, Secretary General, Sikh Council UK, said “It’s important for Sikhs that there exists mechanisms for accurately recording anti-Sikh hate crimes in order to effectively challenge them as well as provide support to victims. One of Sikh Aware UK’s aims will be to enable the effective production and publishing of research and monitoring into anti-Sikh hate crimes by Sikh organisations and others.”

Ravjeet Singh, Chair of Community Safety, Sikh Council UK, said “It is pleasing to note many Sikh organisations from a cross section of the community are supporting and partnering in this initiative and we aim to increase this number over the coming weeks and months. Sikh Aware UK will be a collaborative effort and Sikh Council UK Community Safety Committee will administer a steering group of partner organisations to make this a success”.

Sarah Newton, Minister for Vulnerability, Safeguarding and Countering Extremism, said: “Hate crime is not and never will be acceptable. It has no place in Britain that works for everyone and

this Government is determined to stamp it out. We have committed £2.4 million to protect places of worship from hate crime attacks and welcome applications for funding from Gurdwaras. From April 2016 we required police to collect data on hate crimes based on religion targeted, including Sikhism. And last year we published a new action plan which focuses on reducing all hate crime, increasing reporting and improving support for victims. We are seeing more people having the confidence to report hate crime, and Sikh Aware is a valuable initiative to encourage reporting and help create a better picture of hate crime against Sikhs.”

Minister for Faith and Integration Lord Bourne said “This Government is committed to preventing acts of hatred and hostility against any community. We know that all hate crime including that targeted at the Sikh community is under reported. That’s why we’re supporting this collaborative programme to encourage greater reporting. Every community in Britain should feel confident in standing up to the perpetrators of hate crime, making clear that hate and intolerance has no place in our country”.

 

/by

Brexit – Sikh Council UK urges Sikhs to remain engaged in the process

Sikh Council UK is encouraging Sikhs to remain engaged in the Brexit process following
the expected triggering of Article 50 today (29/3) which will start the formal process for the UK to
leave the EU within two years.

Sikh Council UK Chair of European Affairs, Surinder Singh Jandu, said: “Sikhs up and down the
country participated in the democratic process ahead of the referendum last year in what was
the most significant decision of this country in a generation and it is important that the
community continues to engage in the Brexit process as exit negotiations begin in the months
ahead.”

He said “Concerns have been raised within the community around the rhetoric around
Brexit, particularly in relation to the issue of immigration and freedom of movement. There has
been a worrying increase in reports of hate crimes in this period. Our diversity is one of our key
strengths as a country and it is important we all seek to positively influence the public discourse
around the contribution of immigration and immigrants to this country.”

He added “Sikh Council UK remains concerned of the potential impact of Brexit on Sikh
communities in the UK and in mainland Europe in relation to matters such as free movement
and immigration and religious rights. We will be watching closely the developments on the exit
negotiations over the coming months and engaging with all relevant bodies to ensure Sikh
interests are protected going forward.”

/by

Sikh Council UK urges Gurdwaras’ to remain vigilant and review security following terrorist attack; urges reporting of any hate crimes to authorities

Sikh Council UK urges all Gurdwaras’ and other community organisations to review security
arrangements including checking CCTV provision is in working order following yesterday’s terrorist
attack in London.

Unfortunately as seen in past, Sikhs and Gurdwaras have been targeted in ignorance and been
subject to hate crimes due to our distinct identity.

Gurdwara managements and congregations are requested to remain vigilant and report any
suspicious activity to the police and Sikh Council UK.

Anyone who is subject to any form of hate crime whether physical or verbal is urged to report the
matter to the police and the Sikh Council UK right away. It is important that any such reporting
makes clear you believe a hate crime has been committed in order to ensure it is recorded
accurately in police records.

If you have an emergency call 999 otherwise call 101 for all non urgent matters. Anti-terrorism
hotline number is 0800 789 321 for all suspicious terrorism related matters.
Sikh Council UK reiterates our condemnation of yesterday’s terrorist attack and our thoughts and
prayers are with all those affected.

/by

Lord Bourne conveys a message of appreciation to Sikh community

Secretary General of Sikh Council UK Gurmel Singh has received a message of appreciation
from Lord Bourne, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Faith and Integration. He thanked
members of the Sikh community for all the work being done following the horrific terrorist attack in
London yesterday.

The message came when Lord Bourne called the Secretary General following attendance to a
meeting at New Scotland Yard where the Home Secretary was present. Gurmel Singh took the
opportunity to brief Lord Bourne about a possible hate crime incident from this morning, which has
been reported to the police authorities and we were alerted to. Lord Bourne was assured that Sikh
Council UK will continue to play its part in urging vigilance whilst also encouraging the
maintenance of unity amongst the diverse communities of our country.

/by

Sikh Council UK condemns London terrorist atrocity; offers sincere condolences to the bereaved

Sikh Council UK offers sincere its condolences, thoughts and prayers to the innocent victims
that have been killed and injured this afternoon in Westminster, London following a terrorist
incident.

Sikh Council UK strongly condemns this cowardly attack, which targeted the public and
attempted to attack at the heart of British democracy.
It has been reported that so far four people have lost their lives and 20 have been injured. We
urge all to follow advice from the MET Police and avoid for now the area where the incident
took place.

Sikh Council UK requests for calm amongst the public and in particular urge for vigilance
amongst the Sikh community both individually and Gurdwara managements as unfortunately
Sikhs have due to our distinct visible identity often been the target of wholly unjustifiable
retaliatory attacks following incidents of terrorism.

It is important that all communities come together during these difficult times and that we not
let terrorism segregate our communities into silos.
Sikh Council UK would urge all to review Government advice available online on what to do in
the event of a terrorist incident:

/by

Sikh Council UK condemns immigration scam and criticises border officials

Sikh Council UK criticised the case of an immigration racket reportedly involving Sikhs and criticised border control officials for their failure to spot it.

According to reports’ the individuals in question admitted running the scam in which they provided British passports of family members to refugees from Afghanistan who were then able to enter the UK using those passports. Border officials are said to have had difficulty spotting the refugees who were not the real passport holders due to the passport photos being of Sikhs wearing turbans.

Secretary General of Sikh Council UK Gurmel Singh said “We condemn the commission of these crimes. The turban is sacrosanct for Sikhs and any abuse of it is an affront to its sanctity.” However; he added “Whilst we rightly condemn the individuals concerned, we are equally critical of border control officials for failing to detect the scam. It is not acceptable for them to hide their failures behind the Sikh turban; there were whole families of refugees including women and children who were not wearing turbans.”

Sikh Council UK Chair of Community Safety Ravjeet Singh said “It has been disappointing to read press reports quoting Crown Prosecution Service representatives referring to the case as a ‘Sikh conspiracy’ as such we will be taking the matter up with the CPS. These were the actions of the individuals involved in the case and not the Sikh community as a whole.”

He added “Whilst we are critical of the manner of entry of the refugees concerned, we note many of them have subsequently been granted political asylum in the UK. The persecution of minority communities like Sikhs in Afghanistan following the rise of the Taliban and the subsequent war is well documented and we have a moral as well as a legal duty in this country to offer a safe haven to those fleeing from persecution”.

/by

Bulletin 75

Meetings/Events

2nd February 2017 Representatives of Sikh Council UK attended 350th Prakash utsav of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji event in Parliament hosted by Ramgahria Council UK and Lord Suri. Jagtar Singh – Secretary General Elect- took the opportunity on stage to thank the host and address the attendees.

Over 8 members and associates of Sikh Council UK participated in an very important testing of safety face mask equipment. The revolutionary equipment is considered as Critical Life Safety Systems that will have huge impact on career choices for Sikhs in the future. Test Subjects Southampton travelled from Birmingham, Southampton and London.

/by

Members’ update on disability discrimination case at Guru Nanak Gurdwara Wolverhampton

As you may be aware a claim alleging disability discrimination was filed in the courts by five individuals against Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sedgley Street Wolverhampton in 2014. We are pleased to report the matter has been resolved amicably through an out of court settlement.

The claimants had alleged the Gurdwara’s particular application of the Sikh Rehit Maryada (Sikh code of conduct) in respect of seating arrangements in the Darbar (prayer) and Langar (food) halls was unlawful as they argued they were discriminated against on the grounds of disability. They had sought £150,000 in damages.

In accordance with Sikh tradition the institutions of Sangat and Pangat (offering congregational prayers and eating ceremonially prepared food in the Darbar and Langar halls of the Gurdwara respectively) require members of the congregation to be seated on the floor.

The Sikh Rehit Maryada precludes sitting on chairs or other such distinctive seating arrangements in a Gurdwara for these purposes. This tradition and practice dates back to the time of the Sikh Gurus and the principles underpinning it within the Sikh faith include equality, humility and reverence.

The Akal Takhat, the highest temporal seat of authority in the Sikh faith, has issued edicts providing supplementary guidance on making provision for the disabled whilst maintaining the requirements of the Sikh Rehit Maryada

The Sikh Council UK arranged a meeting of Gurdwaras in July 2016 at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Southall in connection with the ongoing case in Wolverhampton. In that meeting there was unanimous support for safeguarding the requirements of the Sikh Rehit Maryada and at the same time making appropriate adjustments for individuals who cannot sit on the floor due to a disability.

The Sikh Council UK subsequently consulted on and produced guidance to assist Gurdwara managements in respect making reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities whilst

seeking to maintain the requirements of the Sikh Rehit Maryada. Our guidance was premised on the understanding that the Equality Act 2010 under which the claims for disability discrimination arose in this case does not apply to acts of worship but nevertheless in line with good practice that appropriate adjustments should be made to accommodate those with disabilities.

The Sikh Council UK was in communication with both the claimants and members of the Gurdwara management committee since the commencement of the legal proceedings and sought to mediate between the parties with a view to seeking a mutually agreeable resolution and settle the matter out of court.

The Sikh Council UK made various recommendations to the Gurdwara management committee with a view to reaching a middle ground between the parties in this regard which were accepted by the management committee and implemented. Unfortunately however the claimants remained dissatisfied with the changes and the legal proceedings continued.

It became clear as the matter progressed that the disability discrimination claim was tied into a wider dispute between the parties relating to selection process of the management committee of the Gurdwara and a separate legal claim was initiated in connection with that too. As a consequence of these additional proceedings the position was that Gurdwara management committee was effectively prevented for the time being from accessing its funds to defend the disability discrimination claim part way through the case.

Last month the claimants made a formal offer to settle the disability discrimination claim as part of the legal process involving the removal of the screens to the seating arrangements within the Darbar and Langar halls of the Gurdwara. The Gurdwara management committee not being in receipt of funds to defend the proceedings any longer made a decision last week to accept the claimants’ offer. The claimants will receive a nominal 1p compensation each as part of the settlement.

As a consequence the claim for disability discrimination has been concluded and we are of course
relieved the matter has been concluded and further costly proceedings avoided. It is unfortunate
that the matter of interpretation and application of Sikh tradition and practice was subject to legal
proceedings in the first place.

Whilst ultimately it is a matter for the management committee and congregation of the Gurdwara as to what arrangements will be put in place going forward, the Sikh Council UK will recommend making those arrangements which accord with the Sikh Rehit Maryada whilst also making reasonable provision for those members of the congregation with disabilities. We remain as ever willing to mediate and to bring parties together.

We remain of the view that the provisions of disability discrimination law in this country do not strictly interfere in matters of religious doctrine concerning acts of worship but that in accordance with good practice suitable adjustments should be made for people with disabilities so that those

who are not able to sit on the floor can feel imbued in the religious services of the Gurdwara in a mutually respectful and dignified manner whilst safeguarding the requirements of the Sikh Rehit Maryada.

 

/by

Recent cases of the kirpan in the workplace – successful interventions by Sikh Council UK

A Sikh employee has been permitted to wear the kirpan in the workplace of an international telecommunications company based in the City in London following initially being refused to right to wear it on ostensible security grounds.

The individual had taken the momentous decision to become an Amritdhari (an initiated/baptised) Sikh and as such he was following the mandatory Sikh code of conduct requiring him to carry the five articles of Sikh faith on his person at all times.

He informed his employer of the circumstances following which his employer initially refused
consent. Sikh Council UK along with other member organisations intervened and provided details
concerning Sikh articles of faith following which the employer conceded and has since adopted a
policy permitting the individual to wear his kirpan in the workplace.

This is the second such case recently where the Sikh Council UK has successfully intervened in connection with the wearing the kirpan in the workplace. The other case involved two Sikhs employees initially being stopped for wearing kirpans at a large international airport based in the South-east. The airport has now adopted a policy around the wearing of the kirpan by employees in the workplace in consultation with the Sikh Council UK.

Jagtar Singh, Secretary General Elect of Sikh Council UK, said: “It is unfortunate that cases such as these still occur too often for our liking, especially in large multi-national organisations. However, we are pleased with the outcomes in these cases, which has meant these Sikhs are now able to practice their faith whilst at work”.

He added “Casework like this is a regular feature of the work of Sikh Council UK and we frequently receive queries seeking our assistance in such matters. Subject to capacity we of course seek to assist any Sikh who faces any issues at work or elsewhere in connection with their articles of faith. If any Sikh is facing any such problems they are requested to get in touch with us without delay”.

/by

Sikh Council UK offers congratulations to Jagraj Singh

Sikh Council UK offered its congratulations to Jagraj Singh who was recently awarded the Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister in recognition of his voluntary work with the Basics of Sikhi and Everything’s 13 organisations which he founded.

Jagtar Singh Gill, Secretary General Elect of Sikh Council UK, said “This award was well deserved and Jagraj’s work serves as an example to all of us young and old to focus our efforts on the basics and essence of the Sikh faith which unites us and not dwell on the few differences which divide.

He added “Many will be aware Jagraj was tragically diagnosed with cancer recently despite his young age and our prayers are with him. In recognition of his work the Sikh community collectively raised over £100,000 within the space of three short hours during a Sikh television appeal recently towards his vision of an international information centre at Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar. This was a fitting tribute to him and our congratulations go to all involved in this endeavour.”

/by