Labour MP says complaints about 'Muslim misogyny' is comparable to 'Christian gun crime'

The row started after a member of the audience, who said she was a former midwife from Manchester, asked the panel about "women with valid concerns about Islam".

Ms Owen replied: "When people say there's a problem with women's rights in Islam, actually, if you're going to take that representation across every other religion, you'd say, is there a problem with gun laws and Christianity in America, for example.

"I think, actually looking at this, there's diversity within diversity and not just taking a whole blanket approach."

Polling conducted by JL Partners for the Henry Jackson Society last year found that British Muslims held far less liberal values when it comes to women's rights compared to the national average.

Only 17 per cent thought it was undesirable for women to take a more traditional role in society, compared to 37 per cent among the general public.

Just 26 per cent also said it was undesirable to outlaw abortion, compared to 63 per cent nationally.

There is also a difference when it comes to public perceptions of the burka, with many MPs describing the veil as oppressive.

Earlier this year, the Muslim Family Foundation also came under fire after it was accused of issuing "misogynistic" advice that husbands must be obeyed in all circumstances.

There were also misogynistic undertones in the way predominantly Pakistani men were part of the rape gangs scandal.

Victims of the rape gangs were called "kafir" and treated like "white trash" by the perpetrators.

Baroness Casey's report added: "Acting in a group likely has a disinhibiting effect on the perpetrators, while misogyny or 'othering' allows them to disregard victims."

The implementation of Sharia Law in Saudi Arabia, Iran and Afghanistan have also raised questions about cultural views held towards women.

Saudi Arabia introduced the male guardianship system into law in 2022, requiring women to obey their husbands in a "reasonable manner" and to obtain permission from their male guardians to marry, divorce or have custody of their children.

Meanwhile, Iran punishes women for refusing to wear the hijab with fines, arrest, or even imprisonment.

Mahsa Amini died at the age of 22 from injuries she sustained after she was arrested and tortured her for wearing her hijab incorrectly.

However, studies also show that Protestant Americans have a higher tendency to own guns.

David Smith, an associate professor at the United States Studies Centre, previously said: "White Protestants have relatively high rates of gun ownership and also tend to be much more opposed to gun control than people from other religious groups."

Many faith groups are actively involved in reducing gun violence in the US, including the Brooklyn-based 67th Precinct Clergy Council, the LIVE FREE Campaign, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and the Episcopal coalition Bishops United Against Gun Violence.

Several Christian countries have also introduced stricter gun laws following atrocities in recent years, including the UK after Dunblane and Australia after the Port Arthur massacre.

The issue of gun violence in America came to the fore again recently following the assassination of Christian conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Mr Kirk, who defended the right to bear arms, was shot dead on September 10 by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.

Robinson's motive appears to have been political, with the 22-year-old texting his roommate: "I had enough of his hatred."

GB News has approached Ms Owen for comment.