Pennsylvania (USA): An Indian American professor living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been ordered to take down a 'toran,' a Hindu religious symbol, which hangs on the door frame of his condominium. Akhilesh Tripathi filed a lawsuit against the complex, alleging religious discrimination, and violations of the Fair Housing Act. The single father of two adult children has lived at the complex since 2009.
The toran has since remained fastened to Tripathi’s door frame. Kevin Toth, Tripathi’s attorney, said, “it is clear that religion played a role in not allowing Tripathi to display his toran.” Toth said the toran has no adverse impact to anyone else in the building. The homeowners’ association will have to prove that the toran negatively affects the building’s other residents, he said, noting this will be difficult to prove.
Samir Kalra, managing director of the Hindu American Foundation, said, “We are deeply troubled to learn of the Association's decision to single out Tripathi for hanging a toran on his door frame consistent with his deeply held religious beliefs as a practicing Hindu. Similar to Tripathi, millions of other Hindus across the world adorn their homes with a toran, an auspicious Hindu symbol intended to bless the home and welcome guests.”
“The selective application of the condo association's policies is particularly troublesome, given that other residents have reportedly been allowed to freely display religious symbols on their door frames in conjunction with their respective religious beliefs. Such religiously discriminatory actions can have a chilling effect on religious freedom by sending a message that members of minority communities, such as Hindus, are not equal members of American society. Moreover, they violate civil rights and fair housing laws, and are inconsistent with our nation's ethos and values,” stated Kalra.
“Accordingly, we hope that Tripathi's federal lawsuit is successful in protecting his religious rights. Alternatively, in the interests of maintaining a welcoming community for all faiths and refraining from religious discrimination, we urge the Association to reverse its decision and allow Tripathi to continue hanging the toran outside his home, as he has been for the past decade,” he said.
Previously, the association had no objection to Tripathi’s toran. But new rules were implemented in February, stipulating the length of time holiday decorations could be displayed outside a homeowner’s door. Religious decorations that did not conform to a holiday were disallowed, and mandated to be removed immediately. All such decorations had to have the approval of the board before being displayed, according to the new policy.
Notably, the association does allow items affixed to the doorframe of a home; Tripathi noted in his suit that his toran was hung on the doorframe and not on the door. The association also allows a mezuzah, a parchment scroll traditionally placed by Jewish people on their front door. Tripathi did not remove his toran. In April, he received a letter from the association, stating: “The Board voted to allow door decorations during holidays that occur throughout the year.”
