Californian legislature passes Kirpan bill

In a landmark legislation, the Californian state legislature has unanimously passed a bill to train law enforcement personnel about Sikhs and the religious significance of 'Kirpans', a move that may decrease the number of "wasteful arrests" of people from the community.

The legislation (AB 504) was unanimously passed by the California State Legislature. The bill now moves to Governor Schwarzenegger, to sign it into law.

"AB 504 is an important bill that recognises the state's responsibility to protect religious freedoms, while ensuring public safety," said Assembly member Warren Furutani, who introduced the bill in the State Legislature this year.

"The Sikh community should not live in fear of arrest by law enforcement for carrying the kirpan, which is an integral part of their religious faith," he added.

The bill defines a 'kirpan' as a blade that resembles a sword and is required to be carried as an integral part of the practice of the Sikh faith.

While several police and sheriff's departments have recognised the need for this type of training and have been conducting it on an ad hoc basis, the bill would standardise the process State-wide, the legislation said.

The training would specifically advise officers "how to recognise and interact with persons carrying a Kirpan."

Sikh Coalition, a Sikh advocacy group, hailed the passage of the bill as a historic occasion.