Turban dispute goes to mediators

Karnail Singh. Photo / Greg Bowker

A Sikh community leader refused entry into a South Auckland club because of his turban will take his fight to the Human Rights Commission.

Karnail Singh wants the Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club to change its headwear policy after he was barred from entering a party in his own honour in November.

The two parties are due to begin Human Rights Commission mediation tomorrow.

Mr Singh said demanding a rule change was a bottom line, and he would consider taking legal action against the club if it did not agree to his request at mediation.

"I also want a public apology, but that is not as important as the change in rules because I do not want Sikhs to be discriminated against from entering the club," he said.

"This should not be happening in a cosmopolitan club, and neither should such a thing be happening in New Zealand."

Mr Singh is an Age Concern volunteer, town ambassador, community gardener and a member of the group's visiting service for the elderly.

The club yesterday refused to discuss the matter while it was before the commission.

Tomorrow's hearing will be at least the second time in two years the Manurewa club has been taken to the Human Rights Commission accused of banning guests from wearing religious and cultural headwear.

But despite an agreement made at the first mediation to review its dress codes, manager Patricia Rangi said last month that no changes were made to the club's headwear policy.

The commission says it acts only as a facilitator, and is not in a position to police the outcomes.

"The commission brings the parties together, but it is not a party to the mediation agreement," a spokesman said.

"We do expect the parties to abide by the agreement in good faith."

Verpal Singh, chairman of the Sikh Centre, said he would be at the mediation hearing with at least two other Sikh community leaders.

"I think we are not talking about what is legally right here, but what is morally and ethically right," Mr Singh said.

The session would be an opportunity to explain to club representatives that the turban was an integral part of the Sikh religion, he said.

"The bottom line we all will be seeking is for the Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club to change its headwear rules and acknowledge that the turban is not a hat."