Amritdhari Khalsa Sikhs will soon be able to wear a kirpan, a small stylized sword, while visiting courthouse public areas following a security assessment by B.C. sheriffs, the provincial Ministry of Justice said Wednesday.
The change comes into effect on Friday and is in keeping with other jurisdictions, as well as in response to human rights and Supreme Court of Canada decisions, officials said in a press release.
Kirpan accommodation policies are already in effect for the federal parliament buildings, provincial courtrooms in Alberta and courthouses in Toronto.
Those wishing to enter a B.C. courthouse with a kirpan must inform the sheriff that they are wearing one and identify themselves as an Amritdhari Sikh. There are size restrictions and the kesh and the kara must also be available for proof of the person's Khalsa Sikh status.
The kesh is unshorn hair covered with a turban and the kara is an iron bracelet.
Government-issued photo identification may also be requested.
The sheriff will also be allowed to assess potential risk factors by asking questions such as the reason for the visit, the type of court proceeding they wish to attend, and the person's relation to the case.
Sheriffs maintain the discretion to refuse or admit a kirpan into the courthouse on a case-by-case basis.
The Kirpan symbolizes spiritual wisdom and the duty to stand against injustice. The Khalsa (Amritdhari) Sikh code of conduct requires the kirpan to be worn at all times with four other articles of faith. The other articles of faith are the kesh (unshorn hair covered with a turban), kanga (wooden comb), kara (iron bracelet), and kachhera (cotton breeches).
