News coverage for Global-Indian section of India.com
Canadian provincial politician Kathleen Wynne found herself in the middle of cultural controversy last week when she visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar during a 10-day tour of India.
Wynne was warmly welcomed and received a siropa despite a report from the Hindustan Times that this traditional robe of honor would not be bestowed upon the “pro-gay” Ontario premier.
According to the newspaper, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) was not planning on giving Wynne a siropa because she is, “a lesbian, [and] is a supporter of same-sex marriages, a practice opposed by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs.”
In spite of the article, photos and multiple media reports confirm that Wynne did receive the ceremonial robe.
In a statement released on Sunday, Wynne, leader of Ontario’s Liberal party, said she was “honored to receive thesiropa.” Following the ceremony, Wynne also helped cook lunch in the community kitchen, known as the langar, sitting on the ground with local women and rolling chapattis.
Ishani Nath 