February 25, 2005
Source: icEssex
On February 25, 2005 icEssex reported, "A Sikh man has claimed discrimination after being turned away from a London passport office while carrying his ceremonial dagger. Tarsem Lalli Singh, 24, of Cavalier Close, Chadwell Heath, has launched a campaign with the help of the Sikh Federation after being denied access to the office in Victoria. The dagger - a small ceremonial sword that must be worn by baptised Sikhs at all times - was picked up by a metal detector. The Home Office issued a decree under the Race Relations Act that permits special dispensation for Sikhs to wear the ceremonial sword anywhere in England as long it is under their outer clothes. Mr Singh said security guards ordered him to take it off or leave."