STOP: Meat plant next to place of worship
It has been 1 month and 12 days since Bradford Council approved a planning application, submitted by Pakeezah Supermarket – a premier ethnic food store – to open up a meat processing plant, which will be directly situated behind Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara ( a Sikh Temple), off Leeds Road, Bradford.
In carrying out this act, the Council has disregarded any voices and concerns of the entire Sikh community, thousands of like-minded constituents as well as the general public objective to this plan with the belief that will offend the sanctuary of a place of respect and worship; piercing a deadly blow to the hearts of many worshippers.
A Gurdwara, meaning the gateway to the Guru, is the place of worship for Sikhs; however, people of all faiths are welcomed in the Gurdwara.
It is also a place for quiet contemplation, prayers to be heard, deep meditation and most importantly to learn as that is the definition of being a Sikh; a learner.

All meals served at the Gurdwara are strictly vegetarian as Sikhism teaches compassion and respect for all life including the lives of every animal. But the approval of a meat processing plant to be built in the immediate vicinity of the Gurdwara  processing lamb, sheep, cow and chicken carcasses 7 days a week  is not just only disrespectful but also incredibly wounding to the whole community.
Is this really what the 21st Century has come to? I thought we put aside our petty feelings and had learned to respect one another, regardless of what they believe in. Sikhism follows a path that allows everyone the freedom to worship. A prime example of this is when Guru Hargobind Singh Ji (the sixth Sikh Guru) kept a defensive Army which fought against the Islamic rulers. Yet, he built a mosque for the poor Muslims living within his city.

The decision to approve the planning application may well set a precedent going forward.

At the moment, the Bradford Council decision could mean a pork processing plant will be built next to a Mosque or a Synagogue, a beef processing plant next to a Hindu temple, or a lap-dancing club next to a Church.
However, you, the reader, can make a change to this. By visiting http://www.respectworship.com/index.html you’ll be able to access an online petition where you will be able to contribute to the already 16,000+ supporters, which were obtained within 15 days; you could be a part of the 8,000+ signatures that are needed to complete this course of action.

This will be used as part of an appeal against the Council’s insensitive and hurtful decision. Let us remind Bradford Council of their responsibility to uphold the views of their citizens. This decision has an impact not only locally, but also nationally and internationally, as it hurts shared values and sentiments.

By signing this petition you will also be helping protect the sanctity of all places of worship in the future through the #RespectWorship campaign.
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