This letter appeared in Today's Times,
Fun day is a divisive error
Sir, Your report about the couple whose wedding day at Alton Towers has clashed with a “Muslim fun day” (July 12) quite naturally concentrated on the upset to the couple but there is a bigger issue.
Having a specific day when only one faith can attend a major attraction is religious a
partheid which creates divisions within society and confirms the belief that Muslims cannot form part of NI_MPU('middle');On the Muslim day in Alton Towers alcohol and gambling will be banned. This perpetuates the false belief that only Muslims refrain from alcohol or gambling. Many Christian, and indeed atheist, parents might welcome a day in a theme park without alcohol or gambling machines: why then deny them access? Also the proposed “Islamic dress code” for women not only discriminates against non- Muslims but against those Muslim women who choose not to wear the hijab or jilbab.
Islamic Leisure describes the event as its “first national Muslim fun day”, yet it will also be the last. When part two of the Equality Act 2006 is brought into force this year, any form of religious discrimination in goods or services will become illegal and this will prevent Alton Towers, or any other entertainment centre, restricting their facilities to members of one religion or imposing a religious dress code.
Unfortunately, that will be rather too late for the bride and groom whose day has been ruined by this ill-thought-out and divisive event.
NEIL ADDISON
*** This event was cancelled as reported on 2nd August due to "poor ticket sales."
