Wheelchair Not Allowed in Gurdwaras?

Recently ,i attended a family Akhand Path at Gurdwara Naank Parkash -Harnall Lane coventry. i was shocked to see a bright bold sign outside of the main prayer hall saying "WHEELCHAIR NOT ALLOWED " i found this sign very upsetting and disturbing, let me explain , i am a independant wheelchair user, and have been since i sustained a spinal cord injury following a road traffic accident. The same signs are also seen at Sedgley Street Gurdwara in WOLVERHAMPTON, uk

so whilst everything is done to make the UK gurdwara up and down the country all accessible for wheelchair users , i find we are barred from entering the main prayer halls ! Why ? i cant see any religious justification for this policy. I totally understand that i use my wheelchair indoors and outdoors and if my tyres are dirty i would take personal responsiblity to clean them before entering the prayer halls, but if this is the reason, then why are walking sticks allowed ? they too are used outside.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/hard-talk/34634-wheelchair-not-allowed-in-gurdwaras.html

Where people dont have any chice why should they be banned from entering the prayer halls in their wheelchairs and paying their respects like any othre person. i dont feel that pysically carrying someone is practical, i would not allow this and would also find it totally upsetting and embarrasing and in any case i often go alone.

I visit my local Gurdwara and have always been made to feel welcome and have never had any restrictions from accessing any area i want, so why do the minority of Gurdwara have such discrimantory signs?

"Mein kayi vaar sochaa, ki je apne 10 Gurus wichon koi ik vi ajj hunde, taan ki Oh wheelchaired insaan nu milan ton inkaar kar dinde? ....Nahin!!! Balke Ohna ne aap bhajj ke os insaan nu galley lagaa leina si.....
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634

what do you think, and how do i go about requesting these Gurdwara to think about the upset these signs cause and if they are REALLY necessary.
if any Sikh comiitee members are reading this i would be grateful if they could take this issue up

let me finish by saying that what ever happended to me can happen to anyone, how would you feel if suddenly you find not only do you have to adapt to a new life but even a place of worship will ban you! i have always admired Sikhism for treating everyone as equals and for welcoming and embracing anyone who should enter the Gurdwara.

I Know that im not alone in coming across these problems see http://www.sikhsentinel.com/sikhsent...rimination.htm

i also fully appreciate that no human being should be seated above Guru Ji level but Guru Ji would understand that if someone was seated in their wheelchir its not because they are being disrespectful , its because they may have no choice, and whilst i could pray anywhere , should be barred from attendting close famliy weddings or any other religiuos functions?

 
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Kismetk ji, I am really sorry to hear about your health reason and also for wheelchair problem and above that you make me cry with your words "Mein kayi vaar sochaa, ki je apne 10 Gurus wichon koi ik vi ajj hunde, taan ki Oh wheelchaired insaan nu milan ton inkaar kar dinde? ....Nahin!!! Balke Ohna ne aap bhajj ke os insaan nu galley lagaa leina si.....

I think Kismetk ji usually the problem is with cleaning part what usually which I heard. For that reason each gurughar can provide their own wheelchairs those always stay inside. And for the walking sticks you know some time we just don't realize what we are doing it they could be dirty to but chances are really less but still we cann't ignore it too.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634
And visiting Gurughar every body's right even if they are on wheelchair or any TAKHAT DA RAJA. That is my understanding.

Sat Sri Akaal,

Outrage.
That's exactly what I felt when I read your post. Such policy not only breaks modern ideas of equality and equality laws in Britain, but also completely contradicts EVERYTHING that Sikhism stands for. Such a policy is no different to having a sign which says 'no blacks allowed'.
'Cleanliness' is no excuse for discrimination. When shoes are taken off in the Gurdwara, almost everyone's socks will have stepped on an area where shoes have walked and therefore the bottom of the sock will be carrying some kind of 'dirt' into the Gurdwara anyway.
The uncleanliness of a soul that bars someone from coming closer to Guruji is much greater than that of the filth on one's wheelchair wheels, shoes or socks.

Now onto the practical side of things. It is the duty of every Sikh and every righteous minded person to condemn this.
My advice would be:
+ Try to arrange for a photograph of this sign to be taken for reference. Keep it safe.
+ Arrange for a talk with the representatives of these Gurdwaras. If possible, covertly audio record it. If they do not agree to change their policy after you have explained to them the Sikh approach, then:
+ Mention to them that they are in BREACH of the LAW. The Equality Act 2010 stipulates that this is clearly unlawful, and does include places of worship. (Also see, the Disability Equality Duty)

If this still does not work, as a last resort I would recommend legal action (you already have your evidence from before - photo, audio recording). This may seem harsh, but remember this act does not only affect you. This affects community unity, this affects your RIGHT and the rights of generations following you to have access to Guru Granth Sahib. Imagine if a wheelchair person was poor and never had access to Gurbani. Imagine if a wheelchair person was non-Sikh. Imagine the people that would never be able to hear EVEN ONE HOLY LINE OF GURBANI, just because of anti-gurmat bigatory.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634

Here is a link for your reference, and please keep us updated with your story.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Disabled...hts/DG_4001068
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Disabled...ess/DG_4018353

This is extremely disturbing. Darbar Sahib hall must be available for anyone who wants to go in. a.mother's suggestion of gurudwaras having "indoor only" wheelchairs is a good one. I can't offhand think of another solution. The only other possibility is to have sewadars thoroughly wash the wheels as the chair comes into the shoes-off area. I use a cane and someone always graciously and (usually) with a smile cleans the bottom of it.

Author: Jarnail Singh Gyani "Arshi" Date: 04-21-05 10:43 Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji ki fateh. Dear Premi Jio, imho...no problems with accomodating disable persons in a Gurdwara...we should be proud of them in the sense that instead of sitting at home and feeling sorry for themselves...and moping around "cursing" God and others for their disability...they take the trouble to come to Gurdawra, have sangat of Gursikhs and participate in the Guru darbar. Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634 The Committees who have "trouble" with these people are usually the ones who have "no problems" with the ghona monahs etc serving in their gurdwaras because of money contributions...but no no to wheelchairs because they "offend" Guru Ji due to sitting on chair which is against Maryada !!! They are pretty selective about where to apply their scanty knowledge of maryada....in one gurdwara i know wheelchairs were a no no..until a rich lady in a wheelchair started coming....and lo and behold the gurdwara committee had a ramp installed ( and not one but THREE ramps in different parts !!)...its pretty obvious the wheelchair lady contributed a hefty sum to their goluk... so lets not be so materialistic. The injunctions in the Sikh Rehat maryada aginst gadellas and pillows and special seating arrangements were meant to STOP certain SANTS/BEDIS/SODHIS etc ec from doing this in Gurdwaras...who were doing this deliberately to show their special status in the sangat..... this provision was never meant to chase out disabled persons. Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634 Jarnail Singh

source:http://www.tapoban.org/phorum/read.php?f=1&i=35507&t=34418

Kismat Kaur. If you are a true Sikh I don’t think so you should be talking against Sikhism, that they won’t help. Instead of asking to take your wheel chair in side Darbar Sahib asks someone to take you in without wheel chair. I bet you there will be hundreds of volunteers (Male or Female) to help you. If you understand that it is disrespectful to sit high in front of Guru Sahib what makes to think that guru will give you permission to sit high. You people make the devotee Sikh, sicker than you are sick yourself. Go in front of Guru Sahib and ask for better health than asking to go in on wheel chair. Think about Mata Ganga Ji going to Baba Budha Ji on a Rath and what happened? Don’t you learn something from history how to go to Guru Sahib? These websites just want to attract advertisement for wheel chair so they can make money from topic like this. They give damn about Sikhism reputation. Lack of true Sikhism knowledge brings this topic here. It is the most peaceful as well as the toughest religion. Follow it or not is entirely up to you. Learn how to walk on a sword.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634
I am sick to read the comment about 'no blacks allowed'. What a twist to the topic. Can’t say the word publically for these kinds of people. How dare they say like this when Sikhism is open to every single human in the world? It was started to bring the equality. You are not prohibited your wheel chair is.

People don't realise how easily these things could happen to them. One night I was perfectly able to do everything physically. That night I had a stroke. Now 5 years later, I have recovered much function, but the doctors dint expect me ever to be able to walk again.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634

I cannot matha tek or get to the floor to sit or get up from the floor without the help of several strong people.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634

This can happen to anyone. I wonder if it'll take it to happen to gurudwara committee members before they wake up.

No offence intended, but I felt this post was rather wishy-washy.
All types of discrimination are wrong. Did you even read my post properly? Barring ANY minority from a Gurdwara is equally wrong.
Barring blacks/afro-carribbean - wrong
Barring wheelchair users - wrong
Barring anyone - WRONG!

I would strongly advise you not to engage in insults towards myself in public, and reveal that you have a word 'for people like me' that you cannot say in public. This is a discussion forum and I will say what I please as long as I do not engage in personal insults/remarks - please learn to do the same.
Guru rejects no one. Remember that.

And by the way Kismat has said NOTHING against Sikhism. She is criticising (and me) the discriminatory attitude prevalent within some Gurdwaras. Allow her to speak out against injustice - this is what Sikhism is all about.

It seems that a lot has happened since I last logged on. I would add to the comments of CaramelChocolate ji. sirsa ji, your remarks are completely uncalled for and represent a back-of-your hand slap to the thread starter who has only asked a question and a legitimate one at that.

Consider this a formal warning. I would delete your remarks on sight except that Caramel Chocolate has eloquently refuted you, but quoted your text. So to delete your comments would require that I edit his.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=34634

Keep you negativity in check, and your conspiracy theories and prejudices to yourself