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A senior Labor cabinet minister has criticized a mosque for banning women and girls over the age of 12 from taking part in a charity fun run.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the controversial entry requirements were “unfair” and that it was wrong that women were barred from an activity in which men were allowed to take part.
organized by East London MosqueMore than a thousand runners took part in the annual event at Victoria Park on Sunday. Despite being described as “family-friendly” and “inclusive”, participation was only open to men, boys of all ages, and girls under the age of 12.
Muslim charity Run faces allegations it breached rules equality actWhich he vehemently denies.
but asked sky NewsMr Reid said: “I have seen the reports and it strikes me as unfair.
“We should not be banning women from participating in fun in public parks in this country. I don’t fully understand whether this broke the law or not, that will be for others to see, but it just feels wrong to me.”
When asked whether action could be taken against the mosque, he replied: “We have an equality watchdog and I’m sure they will be looking at this matter and if there is a problem with the way the mosque has operated, you would expect there would be intervention.
“You can’t stop women from doing things in public that men are able to do, that just seems wrong to me and certainly not in line with the expectations of the British people.”
Baroness Gohir OBE, chief executive of the Muslim Women’s Network UK, said organizers had breached the Equality Act because they excluded women.
Human rights campaigner Ayesha Ali-Khan also wrote on social media: “It is wrong for an East London mosque to ban women and girls over the age of 12 from taking part in their annual park run. Keeping healthy and fit is a big part of Islam for all Muslims, not just men!”
The east London mosque denied claims that the incident breached equality laws, a spokesperson said. Many times: “The suggestion that our event violates the Equality Act is completely false.
“Single-gender sporting events are legal under section 195 and Schedule 23 of the Act, and are common across the UK, including the Women’s Run Series, the Nike Women’s 10K, and gender-segregated swimming sessions at Orthodox Jewish facilities such as the Manchester Jewish Community Centre.
“The Muslim Charity Run operates under the same legal framework as these established events.”