The first achievement was to reverse Government policy at airports on kirpan. The Government conceded and persuaded the Airports to adopt a policy of permitting small kirpans.
Soon after this the Government was considering making English language compulsory for Ministers of Religion coming from abroad. BSCF successfully argued that Granthis on short term visits from 6-24 months should not need English language proficiency. A new category of religious workers was introduced which benefitted Sikhs and Hindus.
The Government was considering introducing legislation to close down places of worship that permitted extremist propaganda. BSCF prepared a position along with MCB and successfully persuaded the Government to withdraw it.
The Funeral Pyres issue was discussed at length with the Government after internal consultations. It was made clear that Sikhs are not concerned about open air funerals nor against them. The possibility of owning Crematoriums has been offered by the Government to take into consideration Sikh concerns.
The Dept of Health wanted to prepare a guideline on organ donation. This was prepared with due consultation with the key interested people within the BSCF
The issue of turbans for Police Force arose in Birmingham. BSCF held consultations and passed these on to the Police Force with the hope that they will be taken on board.
The DCLG asked for a guideline on kirpan. BSCF held a 1 year long consultation and came up with a substantive document that will form part of Government policy.
This year, new security measures have started at airports which were going to affect turbans. BSCF held urgent consultations within the community. BSCF held meetings with the Government and has influenced policy rethink on the turban. The Government has temporarily withdrawn its new policy and is considering Sikh turban friendly measures.
BSCF has representation on the DCLG’s Faith Communities Consultative Council and the Armed Forces Faith Consultative Council.
