Sikhs need clarification on kirpans - Goff

Cricket fans, from left, Karamjeet Singh, Daljit Singh, Karamjit Singh, Trilok Singh and Prabhdeep Singh were refused entry to the India-Zimbabwe game on Saturday because they would not remove their kirpans. Photo / Chris Loufte

Labour's ethnic communities spokesperson Phil Goff is calling for the Government to clarify where and when Sikhs can wear a kirpan.

Seven Sikh cricket fans were barred from entering Eden Park to watch India play Zimbabwe in a Cricket World Cup match on Saturday because they were wearing kirpans.

The kirpan is a ceremonial sword or dagger carried by Sikhs for religious purposes.

To possess one is not unlawful in New Zealand but the kirpan is considered by the ICC to be a weapon.

Yesterday, Prime Minister John Key said at a press conference that the ICC was wrong in barring Sikh fans from wearing kirpans at World Cup matches.

He also signalled that the Government could change current Civil Aviation Authority rules to allow kirpans to be taken on flights.

It is legal to wear a kirpan in New Zealand, but they cannot be taken on to flights.

Mr Key said he wanted the Government to look at making an exemption in aviation rules for the kirpan.

Mr Goff called for legislative change.

"While I welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to ensure that Sikhs are not discriminated against in being prevented from wearing the kirpan in public, clearly more weight will attach to legislation allowing this than a statement at a press conference," Mr Goff said.

"In other countries, such as India, Canada, the UK and some Australian states, legislation has been passed recognising this right."

Mr Goff said having a legislation would have prevented the situation of Sikh fans being prohibited from Eden Park.