Sikh Sangat News Celebrating Sikh culture and sharing Sikh voices
Canada: On Behalf of all New Democrats, I welcome the Quebec Soccer Federation’s decision to repeal icts ban on Sikh religious headgear.
On April 25, 2013, members of the New Democratic caucus wrote to FIFA urging a clarification, so That Could children return to the soccer fields. Today, that ‘clarification was Provided.
Leader of the Official Opposition Tom Mulcair was the only leader to reach out to Directly Both the Quebec federation and Its Canadian counterpart, in order to Facilitate a resolution. As he STATED, sports shoulds be about Including people from all different walks of life, not EXCLUDING em.
As adults, it falls upon us to find a peaceful solution, Otherwise it’s the kids Have you pay the price. And Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from ’em. After all, it was under-14 players FC Brossard who, in solidarity, turbans sported on the field last weekend.
To be sure, the safety of our children is paramount. Purpose When, as We Have STATED all along, no such safety issue exists – as was the case here – we need as adults to do the right thing and just let our kids play.
As summer is Underway and new friendships and bonds are built, I look forward to seeing Sikh children return to the soccer fields to play the beautiful game with Their peers.
DECLARATION OF MATTHEW DUBÉ ON THE DECISION OF THE FEDERATION OF QUEBEC SOCCER
On behalf of the NDP, I welcome the choice of the Quebec Soccer Federation to reconsider the decision to ban the Sikh turban.
April 25, 2013, members of the NDP caucus have written to FIFA asking him to clarify the rule, so that children can return quickly to the soccer fields. Today, this clarification has been made.
The leader of the official opposition Thomas Mulcair spoke to the leaders of Quebec and Canadian associations to try to find a solution. As he makes clear, the sport must first be an inclusive activity, not exclusive.
As adults, it is our responsibility to make the right decision, if it is the children who pay the bills. And maybe we can even learn something from them: the end of last week, players club FC Brossard, all under the age of fourteen, decided in solidarity to wear a turban during a game.
Obviously, the safety of our children is paramount. But if there is no danger – and everything leads us to believe that this is the case here – I think we should just let the kids play. While summer is well underway and new friendships are forged, I am pleased to see that Sikh children can return to the golf practice this wonderful sport.
Source: NDPCOM@parl.gc.ca
