If women are allowed in the Sabarimala shrine, it will become a spot for sex tourism, says the head of the Kerala temple's board.
The comments came after Supreme Court on Friday referred to a five-judge constitution bench, the question on whether Sabarimala, where entry of women from the age of 10 to 50 (ie women of menstruating age) has been traditionally banned, should be opened to women devotees.
The entry of women inside the temple will turn the temple as “spot for sex tourism like Thailand”, Prayar Gopalakrishnan is quoted as saying in a report by Hindustan Times. Adding to that, he also said it would lead to immoral activities and the safety of the women would be in question.
The misogynistic comment from the head of the shrine was criticised by Kerala minister Surendran who said, “I don’t know how he made such a foolish comparison. He insulted women and pilgrims alike. He should withdraw his statement and tender an apology."
Earlier too the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB)chief was quoted questioning the 'purity' of women, which resulted in protest on a large scale by activists. Ironically, Kerala’s Sabarimala temple says on its website that it allows people of all religions and castes to pray inside. But not women.