1. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary 1 Sikhs and Religious Freedom in France The Sikh Coalition January 2004

2. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 2 Overview What Is Happening? How are Sikhs Affected? What are Sikhs Doing About This? What Can You Do? Current Status

3. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 3 What Is Happening? On December 11, 2003, a commission appointed by the government of France, issued a report recommending that all “conspicuous articles of faith” in French public schools be banned. These Signs Include: — Muslim Hijaabs — Sikh dastaars — Jewish Skullcaps — Christian Crosses

4. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 4 How are Sikhs Affected? This would effectively ban French Sikh children from being educated in French public schools. "I'm 100 percent French, I speak French, I was born here, But it's impossible for me to take off my turban. If they force me, I'll have to drop out, and never be able to do anything except a job that no one else wants." — Dhramvir Singh, a 17-year-old student who wears a dark blue turban knotted in front to school everyday. More than 5000 Sikhs live in the greater Paris area alone

5. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 5 The French Response The measures have been acknowledged to be focused on Muslims, but the law would encompass many faiths Generally the French are unaware or unconcerned about the Sikh response. “What? There are Sikhs in France?" "I know nothing about the Sikh problem. Are there many Sikhs in France?" — A senior official at the Ministry of the Interior responsible for religious matters No French Sikhs were amongst the more than 200 people interviewed in the six month preparation of the recommendation to the French president

6. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 6 …..Are there,any Sikhs in France?? There are about 5000-7000 Sikhs in France NO French Sikhs were among the more than 200 people interviewed by the commission during its six-month investigation, before making this recommendation to the President

7. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 7 French Sikhs trying to make themselves heard… Their banner says “our faith is non-negotiable!”

8. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 8 WHAT YOU CAN DO… Over 80 Organization Support Sikh Coalition’s letter to President Chirac:ADD YOUR ORGANIZATIO TO THE LIST Over 4800 people sign UNITED SIKHS petition: HAVE YOU?

9. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 9 Email French President Jacques Chirac Send a letter to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of religion or belief Contact your representatives and senators to support a resolution condemning the French Ban

10. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 10 Is this hard to do? A sample letter has been sent to you. Finding your government representative is a few mouse-clicks away Signing a petition takes about 5 seconds Adding your organization is as easy as sending a one-line email

11. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 11 You are perturbed… ….So be pro-active. Take these simple steps and if you want to do more, Please visit the Sikh Coalition website at www.sikhcoalition.org www.sikhcoalition.org

12. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 12 Let’s ask the French to live up to their professed ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity

13. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 13 Who will be next? This is a serious threat to ALL Sikhs. Belgium has supported France’s decision…..

14. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 14 Sarbat daa Phalaa… Ask for the rights of Sikhs, Muslims, Christians and Jews….

15. The Sikh Coalition Confidential & Proprietary www.sikhcoalition.org 15 Contact Information For more Information Visit http://www.sikhcoalition.org/frenchban.asphttp://www.sikhcoalition.org/frenchban.asp Or email info@sikhcoalition.orginfo@sikhcoalition.org LETS ALL TAKE ISSUE