Sir, No one disputes that Sir Iqbal Sacranie’s recent observations about homosexuality (letters, Jan 14 and 16) may reflect Islamic teaching. However, what has distressed many is the offensive and inflammatory tone of his comments about “science” and “disease”, which are to be found nowhere in any Islamic text.
Sir Iqbal and the Muslim Council of Britain have pressed the Government to introduce protections against incitement to religious hatred on the basis that inflammatory discourse cannot be disconnected from rising levels of violent crime against a minority community. It seems, however, that Sir Iqbal’s strictures do not apply to himself.
Stonewall has been heartened in recent weeks by the number of Muslim individuals and comunity organisations who have contacted us insisting that they do not share his views.
BEN SUMMERSKILL
Chief Executive, Stonewall
London SW1
Advertisement
Sir, The religious argument of the Muslim leaders (letter, Jan 14) holds little water when directed at a secular legal system. If they wish the law to be changed, they should go into politics.
GESCHE IPSEN
London W9