Question Author
hc4361
/// When the Queen visited a mosque in the UK she took her shoes off, as is the Islamic custom: ///
Taking one's shoes off is completely different, I don't think it would be acceptable for the Queen to be expected to be segregated in the women's area, neither would it be for this Lord Mayor’s consort to be the only woman present in the men's area.
Mr Thomas was invited to an Islamic function in his capacity as mayor and should behave himself respectfully.
However, as the last two paragraphs in the report state he was not required to be seated separately from his partner.
/// But Councillor Thomas, the Lord Mayor of Leicester, was said to be upset at being told he would have to dine in an upstairs function room with male guests, while his consort would be seated downstairs with the other women. ///