Sikh Man Says California's Assault Weapons Ban Violates His Religious Beliefs

A lawsuit filed in a California federal district court this week by a Yuba City man alleges that California's ban on assault weapons, as well as its ban on carrying loaded firearms in one's vehicle and certain other places, violates the free exercise rights of plaintiff, a Sikh.  The complaint (full text) in Khalsa v. State of California, (ED CA, filed 3/12/2013) alleges:

Mainstream Sikh doctrine since the time of Guru Gobind Singh requires that Sikhs be at all times FULLY prepared to defend themselves and others against injustice. Some splinter groups attempt this by wearing symbolic miniature daggers in their turbans, to comply with this requirement. But mainstream Sikhs believe that the requirement is a literal and true moral duty.

Citing attacks and threats on Sikhs since 9/11, plaintiff also claims that the Second Amendment protects his right to be reasonably armed  in places and at times in which he and other Sikhs are likely to be attacked-- in his home, on the streets and in his temple. News10 reports on the lawsuit.