Sikhs celebrate Sacramento law allowing religious blade in City Hall
A new ordinance allowing a religious blade inside Sacramento City Hall went into effect Tuesday, and members of the Sikh community who carry the article of faith packed the council chambers for the occasion.
Some members of the Sikh community carry five religious items as a formal recognition of their religion. One of them is a kirpan, or a religious sword. Because City Hall prohibited all weapons, Sikhs who carry kirpans could not enter City Hall to participate in city government.
“I have called Sacramento area my home for more than two decades. I have been a resident of the city of Sacramento, for I think 7 years, now,” said Dr. Gurtej Singh, who spoke at Tuesday’s meeting. “And this is the first time I am stepping into the City Hall, feeling complete.”
To be allowed in City Hall, the kirpan must be 10 inches long or shorter and be contained in a sheath.
“That was more than just policy,” said Councilmember Caity Maple, who spearheaded the ordinance’s passage. “It was about respect and inclusion and making sure that everyone can fully show up as themselves in our civic spaces.”
Some speakers reflected on the significance of the occasion.
“Moments like this, things like this, it goes a long way in educating our community on who we are,” said Mandeep Singh, the regional director of the Jakara Movement, a nonprofit Sikh community organization.
