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The Offensive Weapons Act 2019, permits Sikhs to carry kirpans, specifically Section 141B, which states that it's lawful for a person to possess a Kirpan for religious, ceremonial, sporting, or historical reasons. This exemption was included after consultations with the Sikh community to ensure that the law wouldn't impact their right to possess and supply kirpans for religious purposes.

The act allows Sikhs to carry large kirpans, with blades over 50 cm, during religious ceremonies in gurdwaras and for traditional Sikh martial art, Gatka.

This amendment was welcomed by the Sikh community, with Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill saying it reflects the importance of not criminalizing the Sikh community for the sale or possession of large kirpans.

*Key Points of the Exemption:*

- *Religious Purposes*: Sikhs can possess and supply large kirpans for religious reasons.

- *Ceremonial Events*: Kirpans can be used during religious ceremonies in gurdwaras and for traditional Sikh martial art, Gatka.

- *Legal Protection*: The amendment ensures that Sikhs won't be penalized for possessing or supplying kirpans for religious purposes.