The reluctance to acknowledge Islamic homophobia among gay rights advocates, left-wing politicians, and the media poses risks to all non-Muslims and undermines the principles they claim to champion.
Hamtramck, Michigan – The clash between leftist ideologies and Islamic beliefs regarding LGBTQ+ rights has once again taken center stage, igniting a controversial debate in the diverse city of Hamtramck. The display of LGBTQ+ Pride flags on government property has become a focal point, revealing tensions and raising questions about the alliance between left-wing principles and Islamic teachings. The discord between the claimed championing of LGBTQ+ rights and the contradictions within Islamic beliefs has left many bewildered and calling for a deeper exploration of the implications surrounding this alliance.
Voted unanimously to ban LGBTQ Pride flags
After months of intense debate and three hours of public comments, the all Muslim Hamtramck City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to ban the display of LGBTQ Pride flags on all city properties. Hamtramck became the first city in America to have a majority Muslim population in 2015. This past January, the Council approved the slaughter of animals at residents’ homes for “religious reasons.” The City Council, whose members are all sharia-compliant Muslims, approved the torturous, inhumane, Sharia-slaughter practice that among other Islamic practices, is often used to help fund Islamic terrorism, 3-2.
Mayor Pro Tem Mohammed Hassan introduced the resolution, which also prohibited the display of flags with “racist” and “political views” according to criteria to be determined by the all-Muslim City Council of Hamtramck. Prior to the vote, Hassan delivered a passionate speech, invoking Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the importance of respecting the views of the Hamtramck residents.
The Divergence of Opinions: Views on the Future of Hamtramck
The clash of views reflected a divergence in opinions about the future of Hamtramck, a city that experienced a significant 27% increase in population from 2010 to 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing older cities in Michigan.
Hassan and other council members expressed that LGBTQ+ individuals and others are welcome in Hamtramck but stressed the importance of respecting religious freedom. Muslim proponents of the resolution argued that the Pride flag conflicts with their faith. Several speakers from Dearborn, who had previously led protests against LGBTQ+ books, attended the meeting, asserting that American soldiers had fought for the U.S. flag, not the Pride flag.
Opposition and Defense
Hassan Aoun, a resident of Dearborn, voiced his opposition to the opponents of the resolution, stating, “You guys are the ones making problems, not us. Please don’t threaten us. I’m the elected official; I’m working for the people, what the majority of the people like.”
City Councilman Nayeem Choudhury echoed the sentiment of respecting Muslim sensibilities while affirming that LGBTQ+ individuals have equal access to all services in Hamtramck. Choudhury questioned the necessity of displaying the Pride flag on government property, stating, “You guys are welcome. … (but) why do you have to have the flag shown on government property to be represented? You’re already represented. We already know who you are. … By making this (about) bigotry … it’s making it like you want to hate us.”
Mayor Amer Ghalib emphasized the city’s commitment to serving all residents equally, without discrimination or favoritism. The council’s decision may prevent Hamtramck’s Human Relations Commission Chair Russ Gordon from raising the LGBTQ+ flag on a city sidewalk next month, as he had planned to do so, similar to his action in the previous year.
Hamtramck stands out as the city with the highest percentage of immigrants in Michigan, and it is the only city in the United States with an all-Muslim city council and mayor. Known for its vibrant bar and arts scene, the city has also attracted LGBTQ+ individuals and others seeking an alternative and affordable lifestyle.
Supporters of LGBTQ+ rights rallied to defend the community at the council meeting. Darren Shelton, the executive director of Planet Ant Theatre in Hamtramck, declared, “The LGBTQ+ community is the lifeblood of our organization. I don’t think sexuality is a political issue.”
However, many left-wing non-Muslim leaders remained silent on the issue, while some spoke out in defense of the LGBTQ+ community. State Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, whose district includes Hamtramck, expressed her support for LGBTQ+ individuals in a statement, assuring them that they have many allies throughout the city and the state.
The Paradox of Leftist Ideologies
Leftist ideologies often position themselves as champions of diversity, inclusivity, and equality. They advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community. However, when it comes to the clash between LGBTQ+ rights and Islamic teachings, a paradox emerges. Islamic law, known as Sharia, considers homosexuality a grave sin and prescribes severe punishments, including death. The Quranic verses and hadiths clearly condemn homosexuality, and countries, where Islamic law is implemented, continue to enforce harsh penalties for same-sex relations. This stark contrast between the principles leftists claim to uphold and the beliefs within Islam raises perplexing questions about their alliance.
A closer look at leftism though, makes the alliance less paradoxical. Leftism, like Islam, both are philosophies of global manifest destiny. And both seek to achieve world domination though utter destruction of classical Civilization. The left, through narrative attacks as per Mao and Critical theory from Marx, while Islam seeks to dominate by Jihad, either demographically, financially or through the sword. Since the creation of the Muslim Brotherhood in 1927, each has seen the utility of the other.
The Silence Surrounding Islamic Homophobia
One of the most significant challenges in addressing this issue is the reluctance to acknowledge Islamic homophobia among gay rights advocates, left-wing politicians, and the media. The danger posed by Islamic homophobia is mostly downplayed or ignored, with incidents dismissed as isolated and not representative of Islam’s “true” nature. This refusal to confront the systemic problem of Islamic homophobia puts vulnerable communities, including the LGBTQ+ community and non-Muslims, at risk. By remaining silent, these groups inadvertently perpetuate a narrative that endangers the very principles they claim to champion.
