A 14-year-old boy allegedly stabbed another male student, 16, twice in the stomach with the miniature sword called a kirpan at Glenwood High School in Sydney s north-west on May 6th
19:19 EDT, 17 May 2021
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A fiery debate has erupted on the Today show about whether children should be able to take religious weapons to school after a teenager was allegedly stabbed with a Sikh kirpan in Sydney.
The 14-year-old boy who allegedly used the knife was legally allowed to carry it on school grounds because it was classified a religious weapon by the education department.
The NSW Department of Education reacted on Tuesday morning by placing a ban on such weapons.
Under religious tradition, the curved knife must be carried by Sikhs at all times to remind them of their duty to uphold and defend the truth courageously .
NSW MP under investigation for sexual violence allegation
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NSW Liberal MP Gareth Ward has moved to the crossbench as police investigate a sexual violence allegation against him.
The Families Minister denied any wrongdoing on Thursday and said he had not been contacted by police.
State Premier Gladys Berejiklian supported Mr Ward’s decision to step down and drop his ministerial portfolio.
She confirmed she was only made aware of the allegations by media reports.
“I have subsequently received advice from [Mr] Ward of his decision to step aside as minister and sit on the crossbench while there is speculation about his future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she too was made aware of the allegations by the media on Thursday. I have subsequently received advice from Minister Gareth Ward of his decision to step aside as minister and sit on the crossbench while there is speculation about his future, she said in a statement. I support his decision.
Attorney General Mark Speakman will take on Mr Ward s portfolio responsibilities, which also include communities and disability services.
Mr Ward was elected to parliament in 2011 and promoted to the coalition ministry in 2019.
His move to the crossbench plunges the Berejiklian government further into minority.