Gurdwara in Britain accused of discriminating against disabled

A major Sikh temple in Britain has been sued by worshippers for allegedly discriminating against elderly and disabled people during prayers, media reported on Saturday.

The Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara at Blakenhall in Wolverhampton has been accused of leaving people in wheelchairs outside the main prayer room because they are unable to observe the custom of sitting on the floor, the Express and Star reported.

The worshippers said people in wheelchairs cannot get up to the prayer room, because a lift was not always available.

The gurdwara committee responded saying that no one was being excluded and that plans were in place for a new building that would improve access to the prayer room.

Rajinder Bassi, chairman of the Sikh Forum Wolverhampton, said around 5,000 pounds ($7,460) have been raised through donations to fund the legal challenge.

He said: "What is happening to disabled and older people is degrading. They are missing out on the spiritual aspect and want to be able to join others upstairs. There's nothing in our faith that says the temple should do this."

Dee Kaur, aged 63, on wheelchair said: "I want to go upstairs but can't.

"The tables here are kept out of sight. We are being excluded."