the sikh coalition confidential & proprietary 1 sikhs and religious freedom in france the sikh...
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1The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary
Sikhs and Religious Freedom in France
The Sikh Coalition
January 2004
<Presenter>
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Overview
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?
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 Coalition’s letter to President Chirac:ADD 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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Let’s 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 France’s 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 [email protected]
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