Tower Hamlets mayor defends mosque decision to ban women and girls over the age of 12 from taking part in charity fun-run

"The website claimed the event was family friendly and inclusive, open to men, boys of all ages and girls under the age of 12, adding everyone is welcome at the park to cheer on the runners. Prizes were presented by Tower Hamlets mayor, Lutfur Rahman, who referred to the event as a truly inspiring community effort. 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, he wrote. Over 1,600 runners of all ages and abilities participated, raising funds for 40 different charities a truly inspiring community effort!"

"When asked at the event about what he thought about women being excluded, Mr Rahman told The Times: What is important is that they have brought communities together. There is no room for criticism. There's room for celebration and congratulating the fact that youngsters from a very young age to an elder who is 94 participated. Baroness Gohir OBE, the chief executive of the Muslim Women's Network UK, said organisers were likely in breach of the Equality Act from barring women and girls over the age of 12 from participating. Aisha Ali-Khan, a human rights campaigner, also said the decision to ban women and girls under the age of 12 was wrong. It's wrong for the East London Mosque to ban women and girls over 12 from taking part in their annual park run. Being healthy and fit is a big part of Islam for all Muslims, not just the men! Another person wrote: It's deeply disappointing to see you celebrating an event that explicitly excluded women and girls over the age of 12. Community initiatives should bring people together, not reinforce discrimination. No event that excludes women should be celebrated by elected representatives."

The East London Mosque held a charity fun run in Victoria Park that excluded women and girls over the age of 12 while welcoming men, boys of all ages and girls under 12. Over 1,600 runners took part, raising funds for 40 charities, and prizes were presented by Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman, who praised the event as a community effort. The exclusion prompted public backlash, with critics calling the entry rules sexist and warning the ban likely breached the Equality Act. Campaigners argued that health and fitness are important for all Muslims and condemned elected representatives celebrating exclusionary events.

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