The Green Party has been reported to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) over a training event that was initially open only to Muslim members. The event was advertised in an online guide for the party's forthcoming conference in Brighton next month.
The party, led by Zack Polanski, rapidly corrected what it said was an error when contacted by this paper. Mr Polanski, a London Assembly member, is currently standing in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, triggered when Sir Keir Starmer resigned as an MP.
Critics complain over restricted workshop
The online guide for the Brighton gathering initially featured an advert for a Muslim-only councillor workshop. Critics complained that the session, initially entitled "Training: Be a (Muslim) Councillor", was not open to non-Muslims, with access restricted.
Campaigners argued this went against the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination based on religion.
Letter to EHRC chair
In a letter to Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, the Commission's Chair, Emma Schubart of the Henry Jackson Society wrote: "We can clearly see that there is no other advertised training for councillors (or candidates) of any other specific religious belief."
She added: "Therefore, we believe this raises several questions which we would appreciate the Commission's guidance on in line with the Equality Act 2010." She asked the Commissioner to "open direct lines of enquiry with the party to investigate fully" if they believe a rule has been broken.
Equality Act and party response
It is unlawful under the Equality Act for organisations providing services, including training and events, to discriminate against people based on nine "protected characteristics". These include religion or belief, with the law replacing a patchwork of earlier discrimination laws with one bill which also applies to political parties.
Green Party officials insisted the document was a draft and that the event was listed in error, despite the initial pamphlet saying it was "open to all Muslim members". The Express understands that the event will now be advertised as open to all members regardless of their faith, or absence of it.
The guide in which the event was initially set to be listed was updated after this paper contacted the Green Party for comment. Mr Polanski is currently contesting the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, where he is the main contender against the Labour Party's Sagal Abdi-Wali. He currently serves as a member of the London Assembly and leader of the Green Party in England and Wales. Voters will head to the polls for the by-election on Thursday, October 8.
