Public safety versus religious freedom — it's a debate taking place next week at Sacramento City Hall.

People attending Sacramento City Council meetings must first pass through a metal detector operated by police officers before they're allowed to enter the council chambers. No weapons of any kind are allowed.

"We had about 150 Sikh community members outside who couldn't walk in because we were told we couldn't enter the premises with our kirpans," said Sikh community advocate Jasjit Singh.

Singh said kirpans are a metal blade similar to a dagger or knife that are worn by sikhs as part of their religious faith.

"It's pretty demoralizing and demeaning," Singh said. "You're saying that this article of faith is somehow unallowed."

Now, city leaders are considering a change. The city says

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