Sexism row as mosque turns away women worshippers

By Olivia Kinsley: ITV London reporter

The Islamic Centre in Soho is a mosque where women cannot pray. A sign clearly states no facilities for "sisters", and tells them to go elsewhere.

Anita Nayyar used to go to the Soho mosque. But she claims that on a number of occasions she was asked to leave, and that friends were told the same.

We went to the mosque to ask if they have, on occasions, asked women to leave and to explain why they've put up the sign. At the door a man told us no one was available to comment today.

The mosque in Soho has been open for about 30 years. People going in today say at times it's so busy people can hardly all fit in, and that they say could be the reason for the sign.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission says it is legal to keep men and women separate during prayers.

A recent survey of 1,200 UK mosques found that 30% don't have facilities for women.

It's a highly sensitive issue, and some clearly feel that this sign is not a sensitive approach busy mosque or not.