UK to allow status quo on possession of kirpans |
The Offensive Weapons Bill 2018 is aimed at strengthening existing legislative measures on offensive weapons, focusing on corrosive substances, knives and certain types of firearm. The United Kingdom government has confirmed an amendment to a new weapons bill going through Parliament to ensure that it would not impact the right of the British Sikh community to possess and supply kirpans or religious swords. The Offensive Weapons Bill 2018 completed its various readings in the House of Commons this week and has now moved to the House of Lords for approval.It involves a new offence of possessing certain offensive weapons in public and places new restrictions on the online sales of bladed articles and corrosive products in attempt to crackdown on rising knife and acid-related attacks in the country. It said they have engaged closely with the Sikh community on the issue of kirpans. As a result, they have amended the Bill to ensure that the possession and supply of large kirpans for religious reasons can continue, a UK Home Office spokesperson said.
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