Day: September 20, 2018

Challenge Muslim homophobia – support LGBT+ Muslims.

Today Friday, September 21, the Peter Tatchell Foundation and LGBT+ Muslims will continue their campaign: LGBT+-Muslim Solidarity – Fight all hate by taking their message to one of the largest mosques in Britain – handing out leaflets and talking to worshippers.

Peter Tatchell, said:  “Our message to mosque worshippers is that the Qur’an does not explicitly condemn homosexuality and stipulates no punishments. There is no basis in the Qur’an for the persecution of LGBT+ Muslims. Homophobic Muslims are misinterpreting the Qur’an,” 

“The Qur’an states that is it the full and final word of Allah and that it requires no addition or interpretation. The anti-LGBT Hadiths and Sharia law are man-made interpretations which have no basis in the Qur’an. A true Muslim follows the Qur’an alone. We appeal to all Muslims to reject homophobia and to embrace LGBT+ Muslims as a valid and valued part of the Muslim community.”

He continued: “This solidarity campaign urges the LGBT and Muslim communities to stand together against prejudice, challenges Muslim homophobia and defends LGBT Muslims against the far right and Islamist extremists.”

Muhammad, a gay Muslim said: “Nowhere in the Qur’an does it say you should punish a gay Muslim. Too many Muslims misunderstand the story of Lut (Lot). It condemns male rape but not loving consenting same-sex relationships. This misunderstanding leads to so much suffering for LGBT+ Muslims, such as rejection by families and mosques, depression, suicide and even so-called honour killings.”

Ejel, another gay Muslim added: “It is imperative that our LGBT Muslim voices are heard and that we engage with the mainstream Muslim community. I’ve spoken in some mosques on LGBT+ issues but many mosques still don’t acknowledge and support their LGBT+ worshippers. That needs to change.”

Tehmina, a Muslim human rights activist, pointed out: “The dominant interpretations of Islam run counter to LGBT equality and contemporary human rights standards….(however) the academic work of Scott Siraj ul-Haq Kugle on Islam and homosexuality, and the new online theological resource set up by Daaiyee Abdullah, showcases that LGBT-affirming interpretations of Islam are possible.”

Event: Peter Tatchell and LGBT+ Muslims will hand out leaflets

Where: Outside Central London (Regents Park) Mosque, 146 Park Rd, Marylebone, London. Meet by the corner of Park Road and Hanover Gate and then proceeding to the adjacent mosque. MAP LINK