CALGARY: Wearing a turban is essential for an orthodox Sikh an Expert in the history and religion Of Sikhs testified Jan 31.

In order to cover his uncut hare neatly a turban is essential for a Khalsa Sikh male said professor Hew McLeod of New Zealand in a report prepared for a court case challenging the RCMP’s decision to allow Sikh officers to wear turbans.

The turban is seen as a sacred and absolutely vital symbol for the Sikh Khalsa

McLeod testified the Khalsa is the orthodox form of Sikhism. McLeod has written several books about Sikhs and his resume spans six pages.

He said all who join the Khalsa are expected to follow five K’s: Kes (uncut hair) kangha (wooden comb). kara (iron bangle) kirpan (dagger) and Kachh (shorts that must not come below the knees) Strictly speaking the Khalsa consists Only of those who have been initiated or baptized and have promised to follow the five Ks McLeod explained.

But the common use of Khalsa has been extended to include Sikhs who observe the five Ks or at least the uncut hair but have not been baptized he said.

The challenge was launched by the Lath bridge RCMP Veterans* Court Challenge Committee and supporter Kay Mans bridge of Calgary who collected thousands Of signatures on a petition protesting RCMP turbans The committee consists of former Mounties John Grant Ken Riley and Howard Davis. The cight-day hearing is the Federal Court of Canada.

The group claims the policy adopted four years ago is unconstitutional. The regulation allows the RCMP commissioner to exempt a member from wearing any part of the uniform on the basis of the member’s religious beliefs.

There is one Sikh Mountie who wears a turban.

McLeod testifying for the federal Crown said the Sikhs wearing turbans fought for the British army and were respected as very Special soldiers.

Ted Morton a University of Calgary political science professor testified the RCMP’s granting of & religious exemption poses absolutely no threat to civil disorder or civil peace in Canadian society

Article extracted from this publication >> February 4, 1994