12 January 2006 Blog Home : January 2006 : Permalink
Presenter Eddie Mair: Is homosexuality itself harmful to society?
Sacranie: "Certainly it is a practice that – in terms of health, in terms of the moral issues that comes along in society – it is not acceptable. And what is not acceptable, there is a good reason for it."
"Each of our faiths tells us that it is harmful and I think, if you look into the scientific evidence that has been available in terms of the forms of various other illnesses and diseases that are there, surely it points out that where homosexuality is practised there is a greater concern in that area."
Eddie: And how does one society square and comfortably hold your view with the views of same-sex couples who have been getting married in recent weeks? Does that "tolerance" always get borne out?
Sacranie: "Well tolerance comes from both ways. We have an opportunity to express our views. This is what we have, this is the privilege we have living in an open democratic society. This is something which we felt deeply concerned about because we felt it does not promote the social or family harmony in society. Now, whilst its there, what do we do? We have to confront in the manner which is acceptable to all of us, but in the same way I have the right to express my view, others have the right to oppose and put their arguments."
The interesting, indeed fascinating, thing here is that Sir Idiot does his best to tar other religions with the same brush. Now this simply doesn't fly because while it may be true that the Jewish and Christian scriptures are against gays, the Jewish and Christian religions have moved away from such blanket denounciations. Indeed Sir Idiot's subsequent attempt to explicitly compare his remarks with those of Anglican christians is in fact illuminating in a way he would probably not like:"We see the great controversy it has created within the world Anglican communion with the real threat of major division over this question. So our views are quite relevant."
The problem for Sir Idiot is that the Anglicans have actully ordained openly gay priests and bishops, as well as female priests, and there are no such equivalents in Islam. In fact any Imam who openly admitted homosexuality would be in trouble. A google search, for example, shows that a Turkish gay who wishes to be an Imam has been forced to flee. That same search also shows up this Islam online "fatwa" that comes out strongly against the idea of a gay Imam and homosexuality in general:As for your question, it should be clear that homosexuality is sinful and shameful. In Islamic terminology it is called 'Al-Fahsha' or an atrocious and obscene act. Islam teaches that believers should neither do the obscene acts, nor in any way indulge in their propagation. Allah says, "Those who love (to see) obscenity published broadcast among the Believers will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: Allah knows, and you know not." (Al-Nur: 19)
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In brief, verily this conduct, whether it comes from two males or females, is considered an abomination and a crime. Therefore, what these lewd people allege is not accepted by Islam at all and is rejected completely. Moreover, the fact that some religious groups, due to being pressured, have allowed their followers to engage in this conduct cannot be considered as justification for prohibited actions. There is precedence in history of some people changing their religions by adding and subtracting from them. As for Islam, it is unequivocal in this matter, for it does not accept any bargaining in any situation whatsoever.
The Muslim needs to take precautions against these deviants and not to give them any opportunity to mix with and corrupt their children. Furthermore, they are neither fit to establish masajid and frequent them, nor are they fit to lead those who frequent the masjid whomever they may be. More importantly for them is to seek a cure for themselves from their own illness, to purify their souls from whatever filthiness became attached to it, and return to a sound path instead of mocking and ridiculing the sentiments of Muslims.”
The key difference between Islam and Chrisitianity is laid out in this Fatwa. The latter religion is willing to reinterpret their scriptures the former is not. Until Islam becomes more tolerant it is going to fail to cope with modernity. It may win tactical victories but IMO its inflexibility is going to kill its acceptability in the eyes of the woolly-minded who have previously been supportive. I anticipate that Europe is going to see some radical realignments as the PC brigade finally figure out what their Islamic fellow travellers really are.