Minister appalled' at Muslim charity run in London that excluded women

"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. Now, we have an equalities watchdog, I'm sure that they will be aware of this case. It's getting a lot of publicity, and quite rightly so, and they will determine whether there has been any breach of the law or regulations and then I'm sure sanctions will follow as appropriate."

"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. But speaking for myself, I was appalled."

"The annual event is described on the mosque website as a highlight in the east London Muslim calendar, raising thousands of pounds for vital causes across the UK and abroad, from local youth projects, food banks and refugee support to international humanitarian relief."

The Muslim Charity Run in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets was advertised as an inclusive 5km race open to men, boys of all ages and girls under 12, yet women were excluded. Communities secretary Steve Reed said he was appalled and called the exclusion absolutely unacceptable. Reed said the Equality and Human Rights Commission will assess whether any laws or regulations were breached and that sanctions would follow if appropriate. East London Mosque and the London Muslim Centre organised the 12th annual event, which attracted hundreds of runners and supporters and raises thousands for local youth projects, food banks, refugee support and international humanitarian relief. Mayor Lutfur Rahman congratulated participants.

Read at www.theguardian.com