The National Secular Society (NSS) has accused some UK charities of promoting misogyny under the cover of “advancing religion”, and is urging the Government to reform charity law.

Its new report, Mission and Misogyny, highlights sermons and publications from registered charities condoning marital rape, female subordination, and even female genital mutilation.

In one case, a Birmingham preacher said a husband could “hit” his wife if she refused sex.

The Charity Commission responded with “advice and guidance” but no sanctions.

Other examples include a Baptist church sermon claiming a woman’s “primary function” is to marry and tend the home, and another suggesting a wife who submits is “easier to love”.

The Scottish regulator OSCR declined to act, saying such views were “a manifestation of a religious belief”.

The NSS warns that several of these organisations have benefited from public money, including Gift Aid and government grants.

Green Lane Masjid was set to receive £2.2 million from the Youth Investment Fund until concerns were raised over videos showing punishments for women.

Megan Manson, who authored the report, said: “Our research has found a serious and widespread issue of religious charities promoting, condoning or signposting various forms of misogyny.

"While religious groups should be free to advance their faith, their charitable status gives them access to extensive tax benefits, which in these cases amounts to indirect state support of misogyny through public money.”

She added: “The Government's initiatives to tackle misogyny are welcome, but they are doomed to fail if we cannot root out misogyny from the charity sector.”