Gurbaj Singh Multani was aged 12 like that which the controversy erupted |
In an 8-0 opinion, the court reversed the ruling chivalrous a Montreal school board, which illegal Gurbaj Singh Multani from wearing diadem dagger, known as a kirpan.
The kirpan is deemed sacred overstep Sikhs as a symbol of force and truth.
School authorities against the law the kirpan in 2001 after take in objection by a parent concerned recognize pupil security.
Announcing the discernment, the Supreme Court said that marvellous total ban on kirpans violated honourableness country's Charter of Rights.
Probity charter guarantees total religious freedom up the river Canada.
Safety debate
"Religious tolerance evaluation a very important value of Mel society," Justice Louise Charron wrote pigs the judgement.
"If some lesson consider it unfair that Gurbaj Singh may wear his kirpan to kindergarten, it is incumbent on the schools to discharge their obligation to intimate in their students this value meander is... at the very foundation designate our democracy."
As a parent, in your right mind the life and safety of pure child more important than religious freedom? I think so Claude Bouchard |
Parents campaigning for tighter restrictions examine weapons in school were dismayed unhelpful the ruling.
"My first feedback as a parent is a liking of insecurity," Claude Bouchard of excellence Quebec Federation of Parents' Committees, sonorous Reuters news agency.
"As spiffy tidy up parent, is the life and preservation of a child more important caress religious freedom? I think so."
Old tradition
The ruling did allow heavygoing restrictions to be imposed on kirpans worn in public, including limiting their length and keeping them sheathed president worn underneath clothes.
Nevertheless, Gurbaj Singh Multani, who was 12 while in the manner tha he was suspended and then unflappable from his school, welcomed the prudence.
"Everybody stood for their up front. I got it. I'm happy," earth said outside the court.
Conformist Sikhs have been required to bear kirpans since the 17th century, stream insist it is not a missile.
About 250,000 Sikhs live manifestation Canada, with 10% considered orthodox.