"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."
"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."
"We consider each [complaint] carefully and take action where appropriate."
The Muslim Charity Run is a 5km event in London's Victoria Park organised by East London Mosque and promoted as inclusive and family-friendly. Entry is limited to men and girls under the age of 12. Baroness Shaista Gohir OBE said organisers were likely in breach of the Equality Act. Kellie-Jay Keen described the ban as plainly unlawful and said it reinforced regressive sexist attitudes. The mosque denies any breach, citing Section 195 and Schedule 23 that allow single-gender sporting events and comparing the event to other established gender-specific races and segregated sessions. The EHRC said it considers complaints carefully and acts where appropriate.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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