Why should menstruation be a reason for keeping women out, asks SC judge

Highlights

• “In a public place of worship, a woman can enter, where a man can go. What applies to a man, applies to a woman,” Chief Justice Misra observed on Wednesday in the Sabarimala temple entry case.
• There is nothing in health, morality or public order that prevents a woman from entering and offering worship in a temple opened for the publi The prohibition in Sabarimala is discrimination not just on gender but sex. Menstruating women are viewed as polluted
• Article 25 (1) which mandates freedom of conscience and right to practise religion. “All persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion…”
• Applicant submitted that Rule 3 (b) of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965 allows a “religious denomination” to ban entry of women between the age of 10 to 50. Argued that discrimination was a violation of the rights to equality and gender justice.

Source: The Hindu