Federation's Public Statement - Play Behzti

The Sikh Federation (UK), the first and only Sikh political party in the UK and the single most representative Sikh organisation is deeply concerned at the media portrayal of the circumstances surrounding the decision by the Repertory Theatre in Birmingham to cancel the run of the play Behzti.

Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK), said:

"To date we have deliberately remained silent from making a public statement on this controversial and divisive play as we did not wish to give more attention to the play than it deserved. However, we believe the facts are not being properly portrayed in the media and the Sikh perspective is being lost in all the hype."

Sikhs are law-abiding and support freedom of speech
The first thing to make clear is that Sikhs are law-abiding and in favour of freedom of speech, provided it is within the law. Politicians have made much of the proposed law of incitement to religious hatred without necessarily giving adequate consideration of whether the contents of the play may already fall foul of existing laws.

Has the Repertory Theatre incited racial hatred?
Under Part III of the Public Order Act 1986 it is an offence to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent or likelihood to stir up racial hatred. Case law has determined that Sikhs are covered by this legislation. The play is based in a Gurdwara and the Repertory Theatre in Birmingham knew this would seen by many Sikhs as abusive and insulting.

A Gurdwara is a place:

• to learn spiritual wisdom

• for religious ceremonies

• where children learn about the Sikh faith, ethics, customs, traditions and texts

The Gurdwara is also a community centre, and offers food, shelter, and companionship to those who need it. It is estimated that around 39 per cent of Sikhs, some quarter of a million Sikhs, visit a Gurdwara once a week, and almost all Sikhs go to the Gurdwara on Gurpurbs i.e. the festivals of the Gurus.

Repertory Theatre to blame for the threat to public order
Sikhs are sensible and tolerant people who respect the views of others. Anyone who has Sikh friends will know Sikhs are hard working and amongst the most tolerant community in Britain. We understand some local Sikhs in Birmingham advised the theatre to change the plot away from a Gurdwara as the plot in a Gurdwara would be seen as abusive and insulting to Sikhs.

Prior to the unfortunate events of Saturday local Sikhs had protested peacefully outside the Theatre. However, the theatre showed no sign of changing the plot so as not to cause offence and insult to Sikhs, despite signs that the protest may not remain entirely peaceful. The theatre was clearly chancing its hand hoping public order would not be threatened.

However, on Saturday when a larger number of Sikh protesters had gathered, tempers boiled over. Sikhs were frustrated as they were continuing to be insulted.

Violence is unacceptable, all must learn from this experience
The violent scenes by a small minority of the protesters on Saturday have been blown out of all proportion. The insulting nature of the play and the vandalism are totally unacceptable to law-abiding Sikhs. All concerned - the Theatre, West Midlands Police, Birmingham City Council, the Government, politicians and the Sikh community must learn from this regrettable incident and ensure such scenes are never repeated.

Proper consultation is essential to avoid a repeat of such incidents
The Repertory Theatre has made much of the consultation with the Sikh community prior to the showing of the play. It is clear from the events of the past few days that those the theatre consulted were looking from a narrow local perspective and they were out of touch with the strength of feeling of the Sikh grassroots.