Sikhs and Religious Freedom in
France
The Sikh Coalition
January 2004
<Presenter>
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Overview
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What Is Happening?
How are Sikhs Affected?
What are Sikhs Doing About This?
What Can You Do?
Current Status
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What Is Happening?
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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:
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Muslim Hijaabs
Sikh dastaars
Jewish Skullcaps
Christian Crosses
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How are Sikhs Affected?
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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."
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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
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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?"
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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??
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There are about 5000-7000 Sikhs in
France
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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…
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Over 80 Organization Support Sikh Coalition’s letter to President Chirac:ADD YOUR
ORGANIZATIO TO THE LIST
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Over 4800 people sign UNITED SIKHS petition: HAVE YOU?
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Email French President Jacques Chirac
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Send a letter to the UN Special Rapporteur on
Freedom of religion or belief
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Contact your representatives and senators to support a resolution condemning the French Ban
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Is this hard to do?
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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…
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Liberty, Equality and
Fraternity
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Who will be next?
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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@sikhcoalition.org
LETS ALL TAKE ISSUE
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