Teenager wins case to wear her bangle in school

A Sikh teenager excluded from school for breaking a 'no jewellery' rule by refusing to remove a wrist bangle which is central to her faith was a victim of unlawful discrimination, a judge ruled.

As a result of the judgment in the High Court, Sarika Watkins-Singh, 14, will be returning to Aberdare Girls' School in South Wales in September - wearing the Kara, a slim steel bracelet.

Similar cases who were caught up in religious rows, when newsreader Fiona Bruce was criticised by BBC bosses for wearing a gold cross chain on screen. She was then later cleared to wear it.

And also UCKG member Nadia Eweida who had been on unpaid leave since September last year, won her appeal against British Airways. The 55-year-old from Twickenham, London who had been banned from openly displaying her cross - the size of a 5p piece - won her case against BA.

"I will carry on working as I’ve always worked. My dignity has been restored. I’ve suffered for my faith," she said.

So what do you think? Should all religious symbols be kept out of classrooms or work? Have your say now on the forum!


Released on Wednesday 30th July 2008

Picture source - www.newsbbc.co.uk