The beautiful BAPS temple of Stafford Texas has been known to be a place of gathering for the Hindu community for years. The architecture and sanctuary for prayer and worship exhibits Hinduism and the contributions of India. While many can agree that BAPS is a place of peace and worship, it can also be a place of judgement and inequality based on gender. There is a particular old tradition that is still practiced inside of BAPS’ marble walls- segregation based on sex. During all aartis' (a religious ceremony during which a prayer by the whole community is offered to deities), women are forced to sit in the back of the temple while the men sit in the front. Also during this time, men are allowed to roam around the sides of the temples and worship freely as they please, while women are said to sit down in and pray until the men have finished with their sessions. In today’s time, we are at a crossroads between whether we want to advance as a society that treats all genders equally or continue to practice old traditions that are based off of sexism. Today, we are asking for all people to think about what type of a worship home they would like for themselves and our future generations to be a part of. We are asking them to come together and sign the petition for these simple needs:

1.Allow for both men and women to sit as they please during all aarti prayers

2.Allow for both men and women to respectfully walk to all statues during prayer for worship

With this petition, we have no intention to disrespect anyone affiliated to the BAPS community, and rather, to state the quiet voices of many and bring justice for all.