The topic of kirpans was brought up recently in a
discussion. Saying that in NSW Sikhs were allowed to
carry ceremonial daggers (kirpans) as part of their
dress. Should this be allowed? A kirpans is still a
dagger - and could be used as a weapon.

Your thoughts please?

As the forum's No 1 champion of multiculturalism, at least where Muslims are concerned, there is no need to hide your light under a bushel. So what do you say? You are going to 'educate'(sic) us all in due course as per usual, right?

On the other hand it would be prudent to ensure that the facts are on the table first up, one being that Sikhs are reliable in defending others in India and elsewhere. Not prone to strapping on a suicide vest, but exactly the opposite.

Also useful to know tat the ceremonial knives they wear where knives are not lawful in public in the world are just ceremonial size, tiny and blunt - you could ride to Yorke on one.

Here is someone who knows and also interesting for his comments on travelling sportspeople, eg cricketers.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/67420736/Sikh-kirpan-dagger-may-be-permitted-on-planes-after-cricket-fans-barred

Some of us may get irritated because some imports are notorious for resolving even minor disagreements with weapons and imported gang culture have required the regulation of edged weapons to be extended to even that lunchtime apple peeler that many once carried. That has nothing at all to do with Sikhs though and few would argue against bringing in more Sikhs in lieu of Islamists.

Now by all means do exercise the free speech that others must defend (and are constantly being required to defend) and state your own position. Even though this is likely just another opportunity for an astroturfing NGO that wants to make money out of asylum seekers, even where that means thousands drowning at sea, to weave some crooked spin against the government and the interests of Australia.

Para 3 above, that should be York. Although some of OLO's notorious Anglophobes would object to the reference to the UK. A raspberry to the self-loathing leftist 'Progressives' and their foul political correctness.

otb,

Actually, kirpans come in various sizes and some
of them are quite sharp. The Sikh Association
of Australia itself wants kirpans banned from
schools and I agree with them. Kids tend to grab
things they like the look of, and in schools
this could be a problem. They should leave the
kirpans at home. They are supposed to be part of
their national costume and worn on special occasions
only. They should not be allowed in schools.

That of course is only my opinion.

Me, a No 1 advocate of multiculturalism?
Especially of Muslims?
How on earth do you know that?
What does that make you then?
What "ism" are you an advocate of?

Fox,

What about you provide a quote and link? Because there is obviously something odd in your claim that Sikhs want the ceremonial version, which is all they say is necessary, banned from schools. About as dangerous as a sports locker key and probably smaller.

otb,

Kindly look up - "Don't take kirpans to school."
And "Sikh Council of Australia - and kirpans."
And - "images of kirpans." It's all there on the
web.