Mosque excludes women and girls from public charity 5k run
In this DML Report…
The 12th annual Muslim Charity Run, organized by the East London Mosque and held on Sunday in Victoria Park, London, excluded women and girls over the age of 12 from participating, despite being described on the mosque's website as an inclusive 5km race welcoming runners and supporters of all ages and abilities. The event, which began as Run 4 Your Mosque in 2012, involved over 1,600 participants and raised funds for 40 charities supporting causes in the UK and abroad. Online criticism labeled the exclusion as unlawful and regressively sexist, with some noting it was more conservative than practices in Saudi Arabia. Baroness Shaista Gohir, chief executive of the Muslim Women's Network UK, stated the mosque was likely in breach of the Equality Act 2010. Kellie-Jay Keen, founder of the Party Of Women, said: "Banning women and girls over the age of 12 from a public charity event is plainly unlawful… and reinforces regressive sexist attitudes towards women's place in public life. No charity should be allowed to operate under a different set of rules because of religion or culture. Equality before the law must apply to everyone."
Communities Secretary Steve Reed expressed horror and described the exclusion as absolutely unacceptable, stating in an LBC Radio interview: "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 added: "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," and noted the equalities watchdog would determine any breaches with appropriate sanctions. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is investigating potential violations of the Equality Act 2010 following a report, with a spokesperson saying: "The EHRC receives complaints each week about allegations of unlawful activity contrary to the Equality Act 2010. We consider each complaint carefully and take action where appropriate." Certain exceptions under equality law may apply to charities and religious organizations, including single-sex events. Tower Hamlets Council, which did not organize the event but provided park space, contacted the mosque for urgent clarification on the restrictions and affirmed its commitment to inclusive leisure activities.
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The East London Mosque, through its trust, responded by affirming its long-standing commitment to supporting women and girls, encouraging their participation in activities like boat races, cycling, hiking, marathons, and other challenges for charity fundraising. The statement emphasized: "Our goal remains the same: to nurture faith, wellbeing, and social good for everyone in our community," but did not directly address the specific exclusion. Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman, previously removed from office in 2015 for electoral fraud before re-election, attended the event, presented prizes, and posted on Facebook: "It was a pleasure to attend the prize-giving ceremony at the 12th Muslim Charity Run in Victoria Park, London, organised by the East London Mosque. Over 1,600 runners of all ages and abilities participated, raising funds for 40 different charities - a truly inspiring community effort!" His involvement drew further criticism in comments on the post. The EHRC investigation remains ongoing.