Windsor, Ontario: A GoodLife Fitness gym in Windsor has apologised after a Sikh man was asked to leave because he was wearing a kirpan, a ceremonial article of faith worn by baptised Sikhs. The incident involved Gurpartap Singh Sangha, who posted a video on social media showing a gym employee asking him to leave after another member raised concerns about the kirpan. Sangha alleged he was racially profiled and questioned why his religious symbol was being treated as a threat.
A kirpan is a mandatory article of the Sikh faith and is protected under Canadian law when worn in accordance with religious practice. A 2006 Supreme Court of Canada ruling recognised the kirpan as a protected religious article, allowing it in many public settings as long as it remains sheathed and secured. The World Sikh Organisation of Canada condemned the incident, saying Sikhs wear the kirpan at all times as an article of faith and should not face discrimination because of it. While some gym members expressed safety concerns, others said Sangha should have been allowed to continue his workout.
Following the backlash, GoodLife Fitness apologised for the incident, saying it is reviewing the situation and reaffirming its commitment to providing an inclusive environment that respects people of all faiths