Punjab Newsline | Paris
The controversy surrounding an alleged gender discrimination incident at the Eiffel Tower has intensified, with the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) denying claims that visitors were prevented from entering the landmark during a recent delegation visit. The development comes as Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has ordered an investigation into allegations that female employees were removed from duty during the group's tour.
In a statement, BAPS said its delegation's visit was carefully coordinated with Eiffel Tower authorities and scheduled during the early opening hours to minimize inconvenience to tourists. The organization emphasized that, to its knowledge, no visitor was denied entry to the monument at any point during the visit.
The Hindu religious organization also expressed regret over the controversy, saying it sincerely apologizes if anyone experienced inconvenience or distress because of the situation. BAPS reiterated its commitment to values of mutual respect, service, and inclusivity.
The dispute stems from a visit on Saturday by a delegation of around 100 members associated with BAPS, who were in France to participate in events linked to the inauguration of a major Hindu temple near Paris. According to employee unions, several female staff members were allegedly asked to leave their workstations while the delegation passed through the monument, with male employees reportedly taking their places.
The allegations sparked outrage among Eiffel Tower employees, leading to a staff meeting and protest on Monday morning. The demonstration delayed the opening of the iconic monument to visitors, while workers demanded an apology from management and a full investigation into the incident.
Union representative Diane Davoine said employee anger had been building since the visit, stressing that no worker should be reassigned or sidelined based on gender. Staff members also sought assurances that similar incidents would not occur in the future.
SETE, the company responsible for operating the Eiffel Tower, acknowledged that requests had been made to limit interactions between the delegation and female employees. The company admitted that such conditions should not have been accepted and confirmed that the matter is under review.
Following the growing backlash, Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire ordered an official inquiry, stating that all facts surrounding the incident must be established quickly and transparently. The investigation is expected to determine whether any discriminatory actions occurred and whether established workplace protocols were violated.
The case has drawn widespread attention in France, with employee unions insisting that accountability and clear safeguards are necessary to ensure equal treatment of all workers at one of the world's most visited monuments.
