I know I'm repeating myself but this really worries me. I have great respect for Outrage! and I know you've consistently protested homophobia from any and all sources.

But at the moment the right-wing-dominated media are banging the 'Hate Muslims' drum, and the trouble is they jump on anything (however hypocritically) that will help. Seriously, ask yourself, has this story developed the debate on LGBT rights or liberation of LGBT people in Arab countries? Or has it just become part of the whole anti-Muslim discourse?

It looks like divide-and-rule to me, and I genuinely fear that Muslims and LGBT people (and especially LGBT Muslims!) will suffer as a result.

I voted for Mr Livingstone in last month's London Mayoral elections, partly because of his past commitment to secular democracy. But following the above links, I am shocked at the level of reaction displayed by his invited guest, and find it difficult to credit his defence of this man as being a 'moderate' theologian.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Mr Livingstone has sided with various suspect forces. In the wake of the May Day demonstrations in 2000, he rounded on the anti-capitalists (and specifically anarchists), mentioning them in the same breath as the far right - an unjustified comparison for anyone to make, even if one has politcal differences with the anarchist movement. Last week, of course, he encouraged RMT members to cross picket lines and backed London Underground management in their industrial dispute. Today's (July 15th) issue of the left (Communist) daily Morning Star newspaper features correspondence again calling into question Mr Livingstone's left wing credentials.

Caz

Why are there no calls on Muslim groups to stop attacking gay rights and fueling hatred of the gay community? If the tabloid press is using gay protests as a blunt instrument to knock Muslim groups, they have brought that on themselves. You cannot expect gay groups to be silent about Islamic homophobia without calling on Muslim groups to stop provoking gays... but of course that would be seen as criticism.. which isn't allowed in case the Tabloids pick it up... so you see it's a Catch-22 situation.

The fact of the matter is that people are going to oppose the acceptance of Islam if that religion is seen as reactionary, misogynistic and homophobic. This perception is not helped by the marginalising of liberal and progressive Muslim voices in favour of conservative and fundamentalist ones.

Another fact which seems self-evident is that gay groups are only attacking Muslim organisations in self-defence, so it makes much more sense to restrain Islamic homophobes who are causing the trouble than it does to ask gays to turn a blind eye to it.

Think it through. You suggest 'Muslims' should do this-and-that to improve their media image, but that (1) lumps all Muslims together as though they all meet together every week to decide how to act and (2) assumes Muslims control their portrayal in the media, rather than being presented unfairly as unusually conservative/reactionary.

What I'm saying is there's a right-wing media agenda of lumping together and demonising all Muslims using any accusation/smear that comes to hand. Any position you take will be seen in that context whether you like it or not.

(Incidentally, don't imagine I'm in the business of defending Livingstone. He said he'd cross RMT picket lines, and Ken, the word for that is 'scab'!)

... you're saying that the gay community should do NOTHING to defend itself against attacks by Muslim groups. Perhaps you haven't noticed, but the tabloid press also vilifies lesbian and gay people who if fact have fewer legal rights and protections than the Muslim community do.

You say that it isn't like Mulsim people regularly meet and make decisions, but then neither does the gay community. Are you suggesting that Muslim groups like the MAB and the MCB should have freedom to attack the gays but that gay groups like Outrage should not defend their community?

It is ridiculous what you are asking. You are asking the gay community not to defend itself against attacks by Muslim groups in case the tabloids manipulate he situation. So the little guy can't defend himself against the bully in case a bigger bully decides to bully the bully?

Neither the Muslim Council nor the Muslim Association attack gay people nor promote homophobia. They are big, responsible mainstream organisations.

Muslim Council of Britain:  http://www.mcb.org.uk
Muslim Association of Britain:  http://www.mabonline.net

Fringe extremist groups like Hizb-ut-Tahrir and Al-Muhajiroun spout out homophobic rubbish (just like they spout out rubbish about how Muslims shouldn't work with non-Muslims politically) but they're really very small groups representing very few, most Muslims are frankly fed up at these extremists being constantly hyped up by the media as though they were mass organisations.

Actually, Trade Unionist, they do...

 http://www.mcb.org.uk/news150300.html
 http://www.mcb.org.uk/news260100.html
 http://www.mcb.org.uk/news041200.html
 http://www.mcb.org.uk/e33.html
 http://www.mcb.org.uk/news100400.html
 http://www.mcb.org.uk/Nov2002Newsletter6.pdf
 http://www.mcb.org.uk/2002-3.pdf
 http://www.mcb.org.uk/AN-UP-TO-DATE.pdf

The MAB don't have their views on homosexuality on their website, but they're pretty much the same. Feel free to phone them up and confirm.

Those press releases are opposing changes to Section 28 and the age of consent. Now of course I agree that's wrong and discriminatory. But surely there's a difference between that and active homophobia / incitment to hate crime?

If you think not, then you need to know that opposing changes to Section 28 and the age of consent is also the official policy of the Conservative Party, and the publicly-stated personal view of the current Home Secretary. Are you going to start picketing Michael Howard and David Blunkett and demanding their exclusion from the country?

(actually fair play if you did, that really would shut me up!)

Well, get ready to shut up ;-)

OutRage! did huge campaigns around criticising the government on Section 28, Age of Consent, etc, including pickets and demonstrations. See the OutRage website for details of past campaigns. When the Kent County Council tried to install Section 28-lite last year, The Queer Youth Alliance, OutRage! and other gay activists picketed their offices.

We've just launched our Hard Labour" campaign which takes a critical look at the Government's failings on gay rights:

 http://www.outrage.org.uk/HardLabour.asp

In fact, when Jacqui Smith, deputy Equalities Minister was due to speak at the Gay Pride launch reception, we leafletted the guests with bright pink "Hard Labour" manifestos - that was what, only two weeks ago...

My point is, if the Muslim Council/Association confine their activities to spiritual and community issues, that's fine, but if they enter the political arena, they should expect to hit resistance just like any other player.

I mean, let's get some perspective here. We did a small and restrained picket outside city hall. We did not interupt his sermon on live national television, disrupt the meeting or block his entrance into the venue - tactics which we have used to protest Christian homophobia. Did we carry a giant papier mache replica of Qaradawi's head through the streets? No, but we did for Tony Blair.

Hello All.

You may be interested to know that today's issue of the left wing daily paper Morning Star (Saturday 17th July 2004) features a lengthy column by Ken Livingstone in which he defends the visit of Dr al Quaradawi, and accuses 'sections of the left' for being Islamophobic in protesting the visit. Mr Livingstone claims that Dr al Quaradawi is a moderate who neither advocates the maltreatment of gay people or women, Jews or secular persons. Mr Livingstone also states that he disagrees with the leaders of most religions on the issue of same-sex relationships.

The evidence provided by Mr Brett Lock in the above thread appears to contradict Mr Livingstone's claims. (Brett, if you want to respond to Mr Livingstone's claims then the Star's website is www.morningstaronline.co.uk). I will be interested in seeing how this debate pans out over the coming weeks. I understand that the open message boards over at uk.gay.com are also buzzing with the debate over Dr al Quaradawi's visit. Many correspondents are expressing opposition to Mr Livingstone's position so close to the 3rd July Pride March, in which he participated.

The Weekly Worker, published by the Leninist CPGB, also touches on the visit. They come down against Dr al-Quaradawi, but suggest that a state ban on the man might actually prove counter-productive. I haven't read any of the other left, activist and anarchist papers this weekend, but I am sure they will all be covering the issue.

Thank you

Caz

Hi. Me again. With advance apologies to all those who don't follow the debates in the 'movement' media, the Alliance for Workers Liberty newspaper Solidarity also deals with the al-Quaradawi visit in this week's issue. They back the picket of his conference address, and comment "Livingstone said long ago that he gave up believing anything that he read in the papers... That does not excuse him from doing no research into people's views". The AWL have been engaged in a long-running dispute with the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) about the latter's engagement with Muslim organisations in the run up to the June elections who they believe have capitulated on secularism. However, the group also states that is disagrees with OutRage! and the feminist organisations over banning al-Quaradawi's address.

The anarchist fortnightly Freedom didn't publish this weekend, and I haven't seen any of the other many left papers, but I am sure they will all have positions to take on the matter.

The lesbian and gay weekly Pink Paper meanwhile leads with "Protests at Hate Cleric" with pictures of the picket and their vox pops column interviews various LGBT people about the issue. Perhaps surprisingly, a majority said that they believed the man should be allowed to speak, even though they passionately disagreed with him. However, much dissatisfacton was expressed at Mr Livingstone's handling of the matter.

Thank you.

Caz

To the London Mayor, Mr Ken Livingstone
On behalf of the StraightWay Foundation, UK
10th December, 2004

Dear Sir,

I am glad to see that there is still support for your decision to host the
eminent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, despite the ongoing
campaigns against him and yourself. I can assure you that you have made a great
impression on the whole Muslim community, in the UK and beyond, thanks to your
unwillingness to succumb to smearing tactics employed by Islamophobes
masquerading as human rights campaigners.

Of particular concern to me and my colleagues were the statements made by "gay
Muslim Ramzi Isalam" under the banner of OutRage!. Opportunists like him
attract media attention due to the novelty of hearing a "gay Muslim" voice. If
we define "gay" simply as "attracted to members of the same sex", then it is
certainly the case that many Muslims fall into this category. Yet many prefer
to use the more neutral term "same-sex attracted (SSA) Muslims" [explaining the
reasons for this would take too many lines].

While there are some SSA Muslims who embrace the prevailing paradigm on
homosexuality, there are many others who prefer to maintain a sincere approach
to their Islamic way of life. That means abstaining from homosexual acts and
striving to overcome desires that are considered contrary to God's wishes for
humankind. With this in mind, it should be clear that Ramzi Isalam and his
colleagues certainly do not represent the views of all SSA Muslims! The
majority do not speak to anyone about their feelings, let alone seek media
attention for political agendas, in the manner of OutRage!

The vast majority of Muslims stand by you in your stance regarding Sheikh
al-Qaradawi, whom you have rightly identified as an important voice for
moderation and progress in Islam, as well as dialogue with the West. SSA
Muslims who have contacted us have agreed with our opinion that everything
stated by Sheikh al-Qaradawi on the subject of homosexuality is in agreement
with the texts of Islam. Understanding the context and spirit of his words, and
those of all Islamic scholars, we do not feel condemned or insulted by the
rulings the Sheikh has expounded.

I have attached a copy of the statement we issued last month explaining our
position on the recent campaign against you, as well as some of the wider
issues of Islam and homosexuality. I would be grateful if you would read it in
order to understand how SSA Muslims interpret their feelings in the light of
Islam. Below this letter is a copy of the press release that accompanied the
statement.

Yours in solidarity,

Mujahid Mustaqim
Chairman, the StraightWay Foundation

www.StraightWay.org.uk

CC: London Assembly
Attached: StraightWay Statement 17-11-04 (PDF, 72KB)


====================================================================

PRESS RELEASE:
Same-sex Attracted Muslims Defend Livingstone, Al-Qaradawi
The StraightWay Foundation, 17th November 2004

A new voice has been added to the debate over London Mayor Ken Livingstone
hosting Islamic jurist Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi in July 2004.

A UK-based organisation representing same-sex attracted Muslims has issued a
5-page statement outlining Islam's positions on issues related to
homosexuality.

The statement comes in response to the campaign against Livingstone conducted by
the London Community Coalition. A representative of OutRage! describing himself
as a "gay Muslim" made headlines with his condemnation of Sheikh al-Qaradawi
and all "fundamentalists".

The StraightWay Foundation is primarily composed of Muslims who experience
same-sex attractions but refuse to be labelled as "homosexual". They consider
their attractions to be a test from God, and believe that homosexual acts are
sinful.

A spokesman commented: "We don't seek after publicity, but under the
circumstances it seemed our duty to speak out. It's true that the Muslim
community has ignored our plight for too long, but that doesn't mean we resort
to twisting Islam to suit our desires."

On the subject of the scholar's pronouncements, he added: "What Sheikh
al-Qaradawi said is only what is clear in the sources of Islam. Condemning him
for those views is exactly equivalent to condemning our religion."

For more details, contact  info@straightway.org.uk

[End]

Scary self-loathing stuff by a group in deep denial of their own sexuality, with links to the rightwing evangelical Christian "ex-gay" movement. I really have no time for these self-hating groups who think that their sexuality is a sickness and who support the religious maniacs that oppress other gay people.

Be warned. The StraightWay Foundation is a reactionary, homophobic organisation. It advocates "healing" gay people and converting them to heterosexuality. It believes that "homosexual relationships go against the natural order and harm both the individuals involved and society at large". It describes homosexuality as "an affliction". StraightWay also denounces out and proud gay Muslim groups, such as Al-Fatiha, suggesting they are "twisting Islam to suit their desires".

Do NOT read the letter by StraightWay or anything they ACTUALLY say. Instead you should just trust Brett Lock of OutRage, who is the Bearer of Truth. No Muslim could ever have anything of worth to say, unless it is "I'm here, I'm queer and...Qur'an? What's that?"

In a lengthy rant on their website, OutRage! sprinkles smear-terms
in amongst its litany of inaccuracies and slander. Here are some
points by way of response:

1. We are not "an organisation set up to campaign against gay
Muslims" - but we are against any attempts to rewrite the Qur'an or
deny explicit prohibitions therein regarding homosexual acts. Among
our membership are same-sex attracted Muslims, who know that Islam
regards them just as highly as anyone else who is sincere in worship
and obedience to God.

2. We do not have "links to the Christian fundamentalist 'ex-gay'
organisation, The National Association for Research and Therapy of
Homosexuality", but we have linked to them on our website and they
have linked to us. That's all.

3. We do not advocate "converting" anyone to "heterosexuality". In
fact, what we say is that a Muslim should seek to enjoy marriage
(with the opposite sex) if that is possible, seeking psychological,
spiritual and practical solutions. Otherwise, he or she should not
resort to anything that is forbidden by our Creator.

4. Yes, we " republishe[d] articles from the Islamic Party of
Britain", and have placed numerous articles on our website from a
multitude of sources. However, our homepage clearly states: "Not all
articles on this site represent the views of the StraightWay
Foundation. Only those written by members do so, whereas others are
provided only due to their containing some useful information or
advice. We do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy found in
such articles." We say "inaccuracy" because our only concern is to
convey honestly what Islam says about such issues - not to please
people of any opinion.

5. It is not true that our document "describes homosexuality as 'an
affliction'". Referring to page 5 will show that that was how we
described same-sex attractions. For any Muslim, these must be an
affliction, since they present him or her with huge dilemmas. The
only options are to abandon the religion, to change it to suit one's
sexual desires, or to realise that faith and obedience to God is the
most important thing in life. This third way is what we advocate.

6. Our so-called "repugnant homophobic views" are what the Islamic
sources teach, no more, no less. This won't please the homosexualist
brigade, but that's not why the Prophets were sent. They often had
to tell their people what they didn't want to hear. Take the Prophet
Lot for example.

7. Brett Lock asks, "How can the Mayor offer his appreciation to a
group that publicises fatwas urging the execution of queers?" I
would think it's simply a matter of courtesy to respond to a lengthy
letter and document expressing thanks for the Mayor's stance. When
we received his response (which was the last to arrive, from those
we received from GLA members), we were disappointed that it had the
tone of a "standard response", which now a mayoral spokesperson has
confirmed it to have been.

8. It's rather rich for OutRage! to use a term like "aggressively
homophobic organisation", when their militancy is beyond limits of
decency. We, on the other hand, merely share the teachings of Islam
as we understand them. New members are joining our support groups
every day, seeking to understand better how they, as same-sex
attracted Muslims, can live healthy, happy and halal lives (i.e.
permitted by God).

9. This one is unbelievable. Lock says: "Their straight therapy
programme causes huge damage to vulnerable individuals who fall into
their clutches." On what information does he base this accusation?
We do not run any "straight therapy programme". We simply advise
Muslims who come to us on how to gain control over their feelings
and actions, while increasing their inner contentment and closeness
to God. We do believe that it is worth figuring out the causes of a
person's same-sex attractions to find whether there are any obvious
ways in which he or she can overcome these unwanted feelings. In
many cases, this simply involves reconciling flawed relationships.
We do not, and have never, advocated any drastic "therapies" that
damage a person, let alone administered such ourselves.


Finally, it is worth pointing out that no matter how hard we try to
have dialogue with homosexualists among Muslims or non-Muslims, it
only becomes clearer that they are not interested in considering any
opinion that contradicts the Western "wisdom" that only solidified
in the last few decades. Nevertheless, we will keep dealing with
these narrow-minded, self-serving cowards with patience, as our
religion urges us to do. We ask God to count us among His sincere
servants, such as those whom the people of Sodom tried to drive out,
crying: "They are people who want to be pure!" [Qur'an 7:82]

We thank OutRage! for including links to our letter and 5-page
document. All we want is for people to reflect and understand.


The StraightWay Foundation
6rd March, 2005