Labour MP Stella Creasy has drawn criticism for her defense of gender segregation at a Muslim event in her North London constituency, the Milad Al Nabi march. Creasy, who identifies as a 'proud feminist,' initially described the event as a "noisy annual celebration for our local Muslim community of the prophet mohammed's [sic] birthday." However, social media users noted the absence of women in a video clip she posted, leading to questions about segregation.
When asked, Creasy admitted that women had been segregated, explaining that "Many religions do have separate events and structures." She later shared a video of Muslim women, captioning it, "These women are the future optometrists, lawyers, accountants, surgeons and leaders of our community and country. They also celebrate the Prophet's birthday at the Milad il Nabi March. Everyone is welcome so come next year and meet them to find out what this event is as they are fantastic!"
Critics have labeled Creasy a hypocrite, citing her past condemnation of the Garrick Club, a 200-year-old private members' club, for its male-only membership policy. In 2022, she criticized the club as an "old boys' club" that hinders women's progress.
Conservative politicians have also criticized Creasy's stance. Joy Morrissey, the Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, stated, "This is the same Labour MP who thinks it is perfectly acceptable for men to use women's toilets, yet apparently not acceptable for them to attend the same event. Stella Creasy should know better than to engage in this divisive and exclusionary nonsense." She added that the Conservatives' Culture and Integration Commission would investigate the matter.