SIKH DAGGERS

The problem with Sir Mota Singh Q.C.'s argument is that it promotes the unenlightened subservience of reason to tradition in matters of religion.

The minority communities have been allowed to muddle archaic views with race relations and get away, at times, with the possibility of murder.

As a young priest I promoted good inter-faith relations in the parish and established a group which hosted a variety of events.

It was a shock when the news broke that one Sikh priest had stabbed the other priest with his Kirpan.

It defies logic for our modern society to contemplate permitting the wearing of the Kirpan yet to legislate continually to restrict our way of life for health and safety reasons, the latest insane example of which is that our children are no longer allowed to run in the playground if the ground is wet.

Europe is divided. In France they are considering a ban on wearing the burka whereas in England, Judge Singh's logic would allow a judge to be wearing one in court.

Politicians working for equality must resist allowing religion to bully the secular agenda to permit their traditions and practices if they offend, oppress and endanger.