A senior Labour cupboard minister has criticised a mosque for banning ladies and ladies over the age of 12 from collaborating in a charity enjoyable run.
Housing secretary Steve Reed stated the controversial entry necessities have been “inappropriate” and that it was mistaken that lady have been barred from an exercise that males have been allowed to take part in.
Organised by the East London Mosque, the annual occasion noticed greater than a thousand runners take part in Victoria Park on Sunday. Despite the occasion being described as “family friendly” and “inclusive”, the participation was solely open to males, boys of all ages and ladies below the age of 12.
The Muslim Charity Run faces accusations that it has breached the Equality Act, which it vehemently denies.
Asked concerning the matter on Sky News, Mr Reed stated: “I saw the reports and it just sounds inappropriate to me.
“We should not be banning women from taking part in fun runs in public parks in this country. I don’t fully understand whether it did or didn’t break the law, that would be for others to look at, but it sounds absolutely wrong to me.”
When requested if motion may very well be taken towards the mosque, Mr Reed responded: “We have an equalities watchdog and I’m sure they’ll be looking at this case, and if there are problems with the way the mosque has acted, you expect there will be an intervention.
“You can’t have women being barred from doing things in public that men are able to do. That strikes me as absolutely wrong, and it certainly isn’t in line with the expectations British people would have.”
The chief govt of the Muslim Women’s Network UK, Shaista Gohir, stated that the organisers have been “likely” to have been in breach of the Equality Act in deciding to exclude ladies.
Human rights campaigner Aisha Ali-Khan additionally wrote on social media: “It’s wrong for the East London Mosque to ban women and girls over 12 years old from taking part in their annual park run. Being healthy and fit is a big part of Islam for all Muslims, not just the men!”
East London Mosque denied claims that the occasion had breached equality laws, with a spokesperson telling The Times: “The suggestion that our event breaches the Equality Act is entirely incorrect.
“Single-gender sporting events are lawful under Section 195 and Schedule 23 of the act, and are common across the UK, including the Women’s Run Series, Nike Women’s 10K, and gender-segregated swimming sessions at Orthodox Jewish facilities like Manchester Jewish Community Centre.
“The Muslim Charity Run operates under the same legal framework as these established events.”