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

The communities secretary has said he was “horrified and appalled” a fundraising run in an east London park barred women from participating.

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

MP Steve Reed said blocking women was “absolutely unacceptable” and that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) would investigate.

The ELM has not directly addressed the criticism but said it had a “long-standing commitment to supporting women and girls” and encourages women to take part in various sporting activities.

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

When asked about women being barred from the race on LBC Radio, Reed said: “I saw these reports… and I was as horrified as anybody else.

“It’s absolutely unacceptable that women should be blocked from going on a fun run in a public space when the men are allowed to go out there and do that.

He said he was sure the equalities watchdog would be aware of the case and appropriate sanctions would follow.

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

“We do not want a situation in this country where men are allowed to do things that women are then barred from. We cannot tolerate that.”

The mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, is quoted on the website congratulating all those who took part, “especially to the youngsters and the elders and the community at large for participating today”.

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

An EHRC spokesperson said each complaint was considered carefully and that there are certain exceptions under equality law that can apply to charities and belief organisations, including potentially restricting events to one sex only.

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

“Like many local charitable events, it made use of the park space. We are firmly committed to ensuring leisure and sporting activities in Tower Hamlets are inclusive and accessible.”

Last weekend’s event was the mosque’s 12th annual charity run.

A spokesperson for the mosque said:

“ELM encourages women to take part in sporting activities. There are many Muslim women from our community who have taken part in sporting events including boat races, cycling, hiking and marathons as well as various sporting challenges to raise funds for charity.

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