George Broadhead

Humanists have reacted angrily to the homophobic public pronouncements of Mr Ali Abdussalam Trekki, the President of the UN General Assembly.  When asked what he thought of the “Declaration for the Universal Decriminalisation of Homosexuality” he said "It is a very thorny argument. As a Muslim, I do not agree with it. I believe it is not acceptable for most of the world, and it is totally unacceptable for our tradition and religion.”

These comments have been condemned by the UK gay Humanist charity the PTT (Pink Triangle Trust) and the IHEU (International Humanist & Ethical Union) which has Special Consultative Status with the UN.

The PTT's secretary George Broadhead, commented:
"The President's pronouncements are despicable, but are hardly surprising given the intrinsic homophobia of the religion he adheres to. However, like other members of the General Assembly, he is surely duty-bound to represent the principles and the aims of the United Nations, according to the Charter adopted on June 26, 1945 with its respect for human rights and fundamental freedom for all human beings. Instead he has implictly endorsed the barbaric treatment of
thousands of gay people throughout the world, particularly in Islamic
theocracies like Iran and Saudi Arabia. He should be asked to resign immediately or be removed from office."

The IHEU's long-serving representative at the UN, Geneva, Roy Brown commented:
"Of course, Mr Ali Abdussalam Trekki is entirely right in saying, as a Muslim, that homosexuality 'is not acceptable by our religion, our tradition'. What is deeply worrying is his clear but unspoken belief that Muslims' primitive religious taboos should therefore trump human rights - a view that, sadly, is becoming increasingly common among Muslim delegations throughout the United Nations system."

For more information about the Trust view:
www.pinktriangle.org.uk/