(SACRAMENTO, CA) – In a move hailed as a significant victory for religious freedom and inclusivity, the Sacramento City Council voted on March 10, 2026, to amend the city code, officially allowing Sikh individuals to carry the Kirpan—a religious article of faith resembling a small sword—inside City Hall and other city-owned facilities.
The ordinance, which passed following emotional testimony from community leaders, aims to remove barriers that have historically prevented practicing Sikhs from participating in local government.
Council Member Catie Maple, who spearheaded the effort, characterized the new ordinance as a change that was "a very long time coming." Maple emphasized that the measure is "important" because it "allows people practicing the faith to participate in city government" by permitting them to "bring this to the city council facilities"—a right she noted "hasn't previously been allowed."
While acknowledging the "process" involving the police and city departments, Maple offered a blunt apology to the Sikh community for the two-year delay, stating, "I am sorry it has taken this long to get here... It has taken too long."
The Sikh community, which numbers over 40,000 in the Sacramento region, explained that the Kirpan is not a weapon but a mandatory article of faith commanded 500 years ago to signify a commitment to protecting the oppressed.
(Screenshot of speaker at the city council meeting. Credit: Metro 14 YouTube video.)
"We are commanded to help people," one speaker explained. "When something happens we cannot run away... that is why we look like this; we run into the building when it is on fire.”
OpGov.news reports the ordinance is a "carbon copy" of one already successfully implemented in Fresno. Council members echoed the sentiment of inclusivity, with Council Member Mai Vang noting that the Sikh community has been a vital part of Sacramento’s history for over a century, contributing significantly to the region's agricultural success.
Despite the broad support from the council, the ordinance met with resistance from some members of the public who raised concerns about public safety and the potential for the Kirpan—which can have a blade up to 10 inches—to be used as a weapon during heated meetings.
(Image of a Kirpan. Credit: wikimedia.org.)
"I am uncomfortable with that," said public commenter Henry Harry. "A lot of emotions, things said. People might not like what is being said behind me with a blade.” He further questioned whether such items would be allowed in other secure environments like airplanes or courtrooms.
In response, community members clarified that the Kirpan is worn under clothing and that the Sikh faith follows a strictly established code of conduct.
The passage of the ordinance was met with applause in the chambers. OpGov.news reports council members expressed gratitude to the Sacramento Police Department for working through the "long, grueling process" to ensure the policy could be implemented safely.
"It shouldn't have taken that long, but it did," said Maple. "It is important to include all people in Sacramento.”
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