The mayor of Tower Hamlets has defended the East London Mosque's decision to ban women and girls over 12 from participating in a recent charity run, despite growing criticism and an investigation into possible breaches of equality laws. The event, promoted as 'inclusive' and 'family friendly', allowed only men, boys, and girls under 12 to take part, sparking outrage from campaigners and women's rights groups who called the policy 'regressively sexist' and potentially unlawful. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has announced it will assess the case, while the mosque maintains its policy is legal under existing exemptions for single-gender sporting events. The controversy has reignited debate over the balance between religious practices and British equality laws, with critics warning of a rise in conservative values that restrict women's participation in public life.