UK NEWS

BANNED FROM SWIMMING POOL FOR NOT BEING MUSLIM

ROW: The sports centre in east London

Friday April 18,2008

A FATHER and son were banned from swimming at a public sports centre because they are not Muslims.

The man, known only as David T, and his 10-year-old boy were stopped from going into the pool at Clissold Leisure Centre in Stoke Newington, east London.

Last night management at the complex said staff were wrong to turn customers away from the designated men-only
modesty session.

The council says the early morning get-togethers are aimed at community groups who have strict rules on segregation.

“I arrived at the pool to discover that they were holding what staff described as ‘Muslim men-only swimming’,” said David T, of Stoke Newington.

“I asked whether my son and I could go as we were both male. But I was told it was for Muslims only.

I asked whether my son and I could go as we were both male but I was told it was for Muslims only.

“I asked to speak to the manager who confirmed that this was the case.

“The manager suggested asking the Muslims swimming if they minded my son and me swimming with them.”

The men-only sessions take place every Sunday from 8am to 9.30am.

But a leisure centre spokesman said staff were wrong to refuse people entry for not being Muslim.

He said: “The men’s modesty session is not a private hire and is, therefore, open to the public. Muslim men and others can attend.”