November 3rd 2024.
As we walked through the Eurostar security scanner, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread as the familiar beeping sound filled the air. Like clockwork, a French security officer appeared and directed us to a nearby table for bag searches. My husband, six-year-old son, and I were no strangers to this routine - it wasn't the first time we had been pulled aside for our articles of faith.
The officer demanded that we open our suitcases, eager to see what was inside. I knew that our karas, a traditional steel bangle, had triggered the alarm. But I also knew that our kirpans, a small sword worn as part of a Sikh's religious attire, would soon become the focus of his search.
Unfortunately, this was not our first encounter with such scrutiny, and I doubted it would be the last. Every time we traveled, we had to thoroughly research and prepare ourselves, as was the case with our recent trip to Euro Disney in April.
Before our trip, I made sure to check the Eurostar website for their rules and regulations. While some items like spears and swords were understandably prohibited, others like bats and fencing equipment were allowed on board. I assumed our kirpans, which were around the same size as the permitted items, would be fine to take in our luggage.
I also double-checked the guidelines for Disneyland Paris, as I knew other Sikh families who had been able to bring their kirpans inside without any issues. With everything seemingly in order, we set off on our trip.
Thankfully, our departure from the UK was uneventful, as it is legal to wear a kirpan under UK law. However, upon arriving at Disneyland Paris, we were denied entry. The staff claimed that our kirpans were considered weapons and were not allowed in the parks or in their onsite hotel.
After much back and forth, we made the difficult decision to leave the parks. It took four hours to get a refund for our tickets and hotel, and we had to book a last-minute hotel in Paris, which cost us a significant amount of money per night. Despite trying to make the best of our time there, the whole trip was tainted by the discrimination we faced.
But that was nothing compared to the scrutiny we faced when trying to return home from Paris Gare Du Nord. The security officer was immediately rude and aggressive, and we were led to a table for bag searches. We followed his demands, but as soon as he saw our kirpans, he declared that they were not allowed.
My husband asked to speak to the head of security, but the situation escalated as we protested. Eventually, we placed our kirpans in a tray just to avoid further confrontation. My son started to cry, afraid that we would miss our train or even be arrested. I tried to console him, but I was also angry, worried, and embarrassed by the whole ordeal.
A manager was called over, who simply repeated that daggers were not allowed. Even after showing them the UK law and Eurostar website, they only agreed to let us on the train "this time" if the driver was okay with it. Thankfully, we were upgraded to first class, but all I wanted was to get home safely.
The journey back was difficult, with my son crying and vomiting from the stress. In the months since, I have questioned whether the trip was worth it, but ultimately, the answer is yes. It has given me a reason to speak out and demand change.
Companies like Eurostar need to constantly update their regulations to recognize religious articles like the kirpan. Without these updates, the Sikh community will continue to face unnecessary distress. We must continue to speak up and demand fair treatment.
Since then, I have been in contact with Eurostar to understand why this keeps happening. They have told me that kirpans are allowed on the train as long as they are under three inches and in a suitcase. But in a recent statement, they declared that non-retractable blades, including kirpans, are not allowed under their security regulations.
This feels discriminatory - how is it fair that someone carrying a cutlery knife or a Swiss army knife can board the Eurostar without issue, but a Sikh with a kirpan cannot? The guidelines are confusing and need to be clarified. We need a resolution so that Sikhs are treated fairly and with respect.
This experience has been challenging, but it has also given me a platform to speak up and demand change. As told to Minreet Kaur. If you have a similar experience, please share it with us in the comments below.
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