No kirpans in school, Quebec court rules

Security concerns are more important than a Sikh student's right to wear a ceremonial dagger to school, the Quebec Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday.

The ruling overturned a lower court judgment, which had affirmed the right of Gurbaj Singh Multani to wear his kirpan at l'Ecole Sainte-Catherine-Laboure.

The Quebec government, the Marguerite-Bourgeoys school board and the school's administration had all argued against allowing the boy to wear the kirpan to class.

Multani's lawyer said by equating it with a weapon, the ruling betrays ignorance of the kirpan's significance as a religious symbol.

Julius Grey said he would appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.

• CBC ARCHIVES: Kirpans in the classroom

Wearing of kirpans is considered essential by devout Sikhs. They consider it a reminder of the constant struggle between good and evil.

Kirpans can be any size, but are often just a few inches long and worn underneath the clothing. Wearing one has been compared to the miniature crosses worn by devout Christians.