Ban on women in Muslim race ‘unacceptable’, minister says

The communities secretary said she was “appalled and appalled” by a fundraising campaign in an east London park where women were barred from taking part.

Hundreds of people took part in the 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) race in Victoria Park on Sunday, according to the East London Mosque (ELM), which organized the event. It was advertised as “inclusive” but was open to men only, boys and girls under 12.

MP Steve Reed said it was “completely unacceptable” that women were blocked and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) would investigate the matter.

ELM did not directly address the criticism but said it has “long been committed to supporting women and girls” and encourages women to participate in a variety of sporting events.

The annual event has become a “highlight in the East London Muslim calendar”, according to the mosque’s website, raising thousands of pounds for causes in the UK and abroad, including local youth projects, food banks and refugee support.

When asked on LBC Radio about women being banned from racing, Reed said: “I have seen these reports… and I am as appalled as anyone.

“It is completely unacceptable that women are prevented from going for fun runs in public while men are allowed to get out there and do that.

He said he was confident the equality watchdog would be aware of the case and appropriate sanctions would be applied.

He added: “Speaking for myself, I was horrified.

“We don’t want a situation in this country where men are allowed to do things that women are prohibited from doing. We can’t tolerate that.”

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman The website said it congratulated everyone who took part.“To the youth in particular, to the elderly and to the community in general for participating in this day.”

The council said it had contacted the mosque to “seek urgent clarification” following reports about age and gender restrictions.

An EHRC spokesman said every complaint was considered carefully and there were some exceptions under equality law that may apply to charities and faith organisations, including restricting events to one gender only.

A Tower Hamlets council spokesman said: “This was an independent event held in Victoria Park, not organized by the council.

“Like many local charity events, this event took advantage of the parkland. We are committed to ensuring that entertainment and sporting events in Tower Hamlets are inclusive and accessible.”

The event, which took place last weekend, was the mosque’s 12th annual charity run.

The mosque spokesman said:

“ELM encourages women to participate in sports activities. There are many Muslim women from our community who participate in various sports events to raise funds for charities, as well as boat races, cycling, walking and marathons.

“We are committed to listening to the needs of our community and ensuring our programs serve everyone.”