Bbc article: Women shut out of mosques during Ramadan

[jay55]

Coronavirus: Why some mosques are closed to women during Ramadan www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56937289

A lot of mosques that usually accommodate women are not at the moment, presumably as social distancing means there is less space. And of course men are the priority.

BBC not quite sure whether it is allowed to think it is a bad thing that islam discriminates against women.

@Tibtom

BBC not quite sure whether it is allowed to think it is a bad thing that islam discriminates against women.

Exactly. The issue of discrimination against women isn't limited to the current situation.

Men have always been the priority in mosques. They get the best space to worship in.

Not to mention women having to cover up when they're outside...

Sorry not woke of course, but religious misogyny is probably the hardest sort to address because it's based on such strong beliefs.

but religious misogyny is probably the hardest sort to address because it's based on such strong beliefs

Well depends on the religion - most people are quite gleeful about calling out misogyny and homophobia in christianity but not so much for any other religion...

As an atheist I can't get worked up about not being allowed to pray but I really hate misogyny dressed up as cultural practice. Most religions treat women unfavourably but we find it hard to criticise any of them other than Christianity due to fear of racism.

See also Rotherham etc

www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/crime/edinburgh-woman-sues-mosque-members-over-campaign-of-discrimination-and-sexual-harassment-while-she-regulated-prayer-entry-during-covid-pandemic-3182487?fbclid=IwAR1EGb3TAT59oOlQdCirz4eERwwYdBXRm_rFdOHXEpfsaV7DNX0faieyp2w

While many families pray together at home, worship in mosques tends to be gender segregated, with many people believing that allows people time to focus on prayer.

No, the reasoning for keeping women at the back or in separate rooms is because otherwise the men will be distracted with staring at women's arses as everyone bends over for prayers. Once again, rather than place the responsibility on men to control themselves and behave respectfully towards women, it's easier to shove women out of the way.

It's going to take a lot to drag Islam into the 21st century. Good luck to the women pushing for at least being recognised as needing equal access for prayers.

I saw this. It included that some mosques don't have space for women to pray even without corona. To my mind (and I have no problem with mosques being built anywhere they are needed) it should be a legal requirement that any religious building that separates the sexes have equal provision for both sexes. And by equal I don't just mean room in a broom cupboard - I mean properly equal (although there may be difference required, I really don't know) with room for an equal number and of the same status.

All religions are man made.
The way they treat women is proof of this.

As an atheist I can't get worked up about not being allowed to pray

That's really not the point.

[quote ArabellaScott]www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/crime/edinburgh-woman-sues-mosque-members-over-campaign-of-discrimination-and-sexual-harassment-while-she-regulated-prayer-entry-during-covid-pandemic-3182487?fbclid=IwAR1EGb3TAT59oOlQdCirz4eERwwYdBXRm_rFdOHXEpfsaV7DNX0faieyp2w[/quote]
Just read that. Wow. The men REALLY didn't like having a woman overseeing their entry to the mosque did they? Good for her for taking this action. She's clearly a mighty strong woman.

[quote ArabellaScott]www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/crime/edinburgh-woman-sues-mosque-members-over-campaign-of-discrimination-and-sexual-harassment-while-she-regulated-prayer-entry-during-covid-pandemic-3182487?fbclid=IwAR1EGb3TAT59oOlQdCirz4eERwwYdBXRm_rFdOHXEpfsaV7DNX0faieyp2w[/quote]
I hope she wins. Those men need to learn a lesson in respecting women. Misogynistic pricks.

"...it is a voluntary option for women, who can worship at home."

The men can worship at home too then. 🙃

@LetsHaveCake

"...it is a voluntary option for women, who can worship at home."

The men can worship at home too then. 🙃

Women get a private life, men get a public life.

It's funny how misogyny is the same whomever is doing it.

@Binglebong

I saw this. It included that some mosques don't have space for women to pray even without corona. To my mind (and I have no problem with mosques being built anywhere they are needed) it should be a legal requirement that any religious building that separates the sexes have equal provision for both sexes. And by equal I don't just mean room in a broom cupboard - I mean properly equal (although there may be difference required, I really don't know) with room for an equal number and of the same status.

AFAIK it is the law, but equality law means its the women who are affected that have to bring a case and pay for it.

There was a consultation about equality law and this was recognised as one of the issues. Nothing was done about it.

It also strikes me, that men can go to mosque and socialize whereas women remain isolated and confined in the home.

@LetsHaveCake

It also strikes me, that men can go to mosque and socialize whereas women remain isolated and confined in the home.

Cooking, cleaning, taking care of the children - what more do these pesky women think they need? 😋

Yep I was suprised to find out that 1/4 of mosques in the UK have no provision for women at all.

Yet Islam is saying it’s an equal religion, womens choice etc and all the “bad” bits are cultural, not religion.

Is it because the requirements of men in Islam are greater- they must pray publicly? Women don't have to do so to be considered good Muslims.

AFAIK it is the law, but equality law means its the women who are affected that have to bring a case and pay for it.

There was a consultation about equality law and this was recognised as one of the issues. Nothing was done about it.
Planning permission could be refused for new or converted mosques though.

Planning permission could be refused for new or converted mosques though

Even if the plans have a room or space designated for women though, who enforces that women are allowed to use those facilities once the mosque is built?

If an Imam decides his mosque no longer admits women, is it likely that obedient muslims are going to protest that and make a legal challenge?

I used to run a conversation class for women and was surprised about how matter of fact the muslim women were about not going to the mosque - they were surprised that I was surprised.
(obviously I didn't ask every muslim woman in the group, just the few that I got to know well)
Also, in the mosque that I've visited, the women's section has a very broom-cupboardy feel.

It also isolates women whilst the men get to do business. It's the same as all male networks.

I really think they shouldn't get planning permission without equality of provision.

@picklemewalnuts

Is it because the requirements of men in Islam are greater- they must pray publicly? Women don't have to do so to be considered good Muslims.

What, you mean the requirements of men to be able to go and socialise and network and be in the public sphere? And women don't need this because?

Attending religious services has been a key social part of social and cultural life in many communities across many religions. Imagine what this says about the status of women that they are not deemed important enough to attend those services?