Seattle Mariners to review policy after visiting Sikhs forced to remove kirpans
Posted July 24, 2019 3:38 pm.
Last Updated July 24, 2019 3:54 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Seattle Mariners say they will be taking a closer look at their ballpark policies after two visiting Sikhs weren’t allowed to bring their kirpans with them into a weekend game.
A Vancouver woman and her young Sikh cousins were in Seattle for a game on the weekend, and T-Mobile Park staff didn’t know what the blunt swords the visitors wore were. Kirpans are articles of faith in the Sikh religion, worn by those who are baptized. Mindip Janda says her cousins were forced to leave theirs in a locker in order to attend the game.
The Mariners say as it stands, staff aren’t able to allow people with anything that looks like a knife into the stadium, but that they do welcome everyone of all religions and races to their games.
RELATED: Visiting Sikhs forced to remove kirpans at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, B.C. woman says
“In compliance with Major League Baseball ‘Best Stadium Operating Practices,’ the Mariners, and all MLB teams, enforce regulations that are in the best interests of the safety and security of all our guests,” the Mariners told NEWS 1130 in a statement. “The policy guidelines include a ban on knives of any size.”
The statement said in light of the incident, the staff will be revisiting security practices.
“Although MLB policies do not make exception for knives such as kirpans that serve a religious purpose, we are now reviewing the policy and how it is enforced at our ballpark.”
In Vancouver, BC Place permits visitors to carry a kirpan, provided it is under clothing and not visible to others.
In a statement to NEWS 1130, a spokesperson said staff are trained to respect a diversity of faiths.
“As part of ensuring the safety and security of everyone at BC Place, security staff are trained in the use of metal detectors and will assess metal objects – including Kirpans – prior to permitting entry to the venue,” the statement said. “BC Place recommends that guests carrying a Kirpan call the stadium prior to attending their event so that staff can help ensure a positive experience while at the venue.”
