Ban on women in Muslim race 'unacceptable', minister says

The East London Mosque's charity run has sparked outrage after it restricted participation to men and boys, with Communities Secretary Steve Reed calling the exclusion of women "absolutely unacceptable. " The Equality and Human Rights Commission plans to investigate the incident, highlighting concerns over gender discrimination in public events. While the mosque promotes the event as inclusive, the restrictions have drawn significant criticism, prompting local officials to seek clarification. Reed emphasized the need for equal access to public activities, stating that such exclusions cannot be tolerated in society. In response, the mosque reiterated its commitment to supporting women and girls in sporting activities but has not directly addressed the controversy surrounding the event.

The council, which is not the event's organizer, is committed to ensuring that local events are inclusive and accessible. This year's race was the 12th annual charity run, raising funds for various charitable causes. The situation underscores ongoing discussions about gender equality within community events and organizations.