UK Minister Condemns London Mosque for Excluding Women from Public Charity Run

UK Communities Secretary Steve Reed expressed that he was "appalled" by the situation. (Representational)

On Tuesday, UK Communities Secretary Steve Reed declared it was "absolutely unacceptable" that women were excluded from a charity running event organized by a mosque in a London park.

The East London Mosque held its annual five-kilometre fundraising run last Sunday, promoting it as "inclusive" and for "runners and supporters of all ages and abilities".

However, the event specifications noted that participation was restricted to "men, boys of all ages and girls under 12".

Following a Mail on Sunday article highlighting this exclusion, criticism erupted with calls for the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to investigate whether the event violated equalities legislation.

"I was as horrified as anybody else," Reed told LBC radio when questioned about the controversy, adding that he was "appalled".

"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 stated.

Reed indicated that the EHRC would determine "whether there has been any breach of the law or regulations" and that "sanctions" could potentially follow.

The watchdog has not confirmed whether it is investigating the matter.

The 2010 Equality Act prohibits discrimination based on sex, religion, disability or other protected characteristics.

However, certain exceptions exist, including one that legally permits sports segregation where an activity is "affected by gender".

In a comprehensive statement that did not directly address Sunday's event, the East London Mosque asserted that it "encourages women to take part in sporting activities".

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

Tower Hamlets Council, which owns the park and allows its use for certain charitable events, stated it has contacted the mosque "to seek urgent clarification" regarding the restrictions placed on participation.