On Tuesday 13 August 2013, Bradford Council approved a planning application by Pakeezah Supermarket to open a meat processing plant directly next to the Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara (Sikh Temple), off Leeds Road, Bradford.
In doing so, the Council has ignored the voices and concerns of the entire Sikh community, thousands of like-minded constituents and the general public at large who have objected to the plans, as they offend the sanctity of a place of worship and hurt the sentiments of worshipers.
A Gurdwara is a place of worship, for quiet contemplation, prayer and meditation. All meals served at a Gurdwara are strictly vegetarian as Sikhi teaches compassion and respect for all life including the lives of animals. The approval of a meat processing plant being built in the immediate vicinity of a Gurdwara, that will be processing lamb, sheep, cow and chicken carcasses seven days a week, is not only disrespectful but also extremely hurtful to the whole community.
The initial planning application decision was reported in the Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
How you can help?
A appeal against the decision is to be held.
ACT NOW and please sign the petition and add your comments.
This petition will be used as part of an appeal against the Council’s insensitive and hurtful decision. By signing this petition you will also be helping protect the sanctity of all places of worship in the future through the #RespectWorship campaign.
Let us remind Bradford Council of their responsibility to uphold the views of their constituents. This decision has an impact not only locally, but also nationally and internationally, as it hurts shared values and sentiments.
Thank you for reading this statement. We welcome all positive actions to support this petition.
Together we can make a difference.
The online petition can be found here.
facebook.com/respectworship, twitter.com/respectworship, www.respectworship.com.