A mosque is facing criticism over entry rules for a charity fun run.
The 5km run being held in London’s Victoria Park, billed as “inclusive” and “family-friendly”, is only open to men and girls under the age of 12.
The Muslim Charity Run has been organised by East London Mosque and was due to take place in London’s Victoria Park on Sunday.
Baroness Shaista Gohir OBE, the chief executive of the Muslim Women's Network UK, told the Mail on Sunday that the organisers were “likely” in breach of the Equality Act.
Kellie-Jay Keen, founder of feminist group Party Of Women, said: “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.”
However the mosque strongly denies claims the event breaches equality legislation.
A spokesman said: “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.”
The Mail on Sunday reported that the Equality and Human Rights Commission would assess any complaints.
An EHRC spokeswoman said: “We consider each [complaint] carefully and take action where appropriate.”
The criticism comes after US President Donald Trump sparked controversy by claiming in a speech in September that London wants to "go to Sharia Law".
Reacting to the comments, London mayor Sadiq Khan called Trump “racist” and “Islamophobic”
