Columnist Matthew Kennard has discovered the root of
discrimination, prejudice and stigmatization of gays and lesbians
across the world ““ or so he claims.
Kennard’s theory that the homophobia in our country
emanates from people of faith (“Celebrate same-sex
marriages,” June 2) is simply immature and reckless.
I am a Muslim who does not agree with same-sex marriages. I
wouldn’t hesitate to explain that in Islam acting on
homosexuality is a sin. But what right does Kennard ““ or
anyone else ““ have to label me homophobic?
Just because I am a devout Muslim does not mean I have an
intense or irrational fear of gays and lesbians, or an aversion to
them. I am not just a blind follower spewing baseless rhetoric.
I understand the moral and social reasons behind why I believe
that same-sex relationships are harmful to society, and I have the
right to believe that engaging in homosexual acts is morally wrong
without being labeled homophobic.
I understand the importance of a stable family in a Muslim
community and the roles of men and women in creating one. I
understand when the rights of an individual come before those of
the community, but there are also times when the needs of the
community are held above the desires of an individual.
Unless Kennard claims to have researched all these complex but
integral parts of my faith (which I doubt, considering he
didn’t bother to use a reliable source in quoting Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon him), what right does he have to claim that
my religion is homophobic? By accusing an entire group of people of
being bigoted, not only is the dialogue unfairly closed, but even
more harmful stereotypes are being perpetuated.
And by implying ““ based on evidence that any historian
would not even give a second thought to ““ that Jesus and
Malcolm X “didn’t see anything wrong with hooking up
with another man,” Kennard is not just insulting me as a
Muslim. People of all faiths should be outraged that such
monumental figures of religious history were defamed.
Jukaku is a fourth-year computer science student and is the
editor in chief of Al-Talib.