- Conference
- Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual & Transgender Conference 2005
- Date
- 11 November 2005
- Decision
- Carried
Conference is deeply disturbed by the Autumn edition of the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) magazine, which contains a number of statements which can be interpreted as Islamophobic and racist.
The headline on the front cover was “The sick face of Islam”. One article demonised immigrants stating: `our major towns and cities being for ever changed by huge numbers of foreign settlers’, referred to as: `the often poor, ill-educated and culturally estranged Third Worlders’ many of whom `are criminals of the worst kind.’ Another article denounces all Muslims, stating: `what does a moderate Muslim do, other than excuse the real nutters by adhering to this barmy doctrine?’
The magazine endorses views of the far right Dutch politician Pim Fortuyn, saying: `the warnings of popular gay politician Pim Fortuyn were tragically snuffed out by a left wing assassin before he could sufficiently alert people to the damage the influx of Muslims is doing to his own native land.’
Conference congratulates the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Committee (NLGBTC) for publicly condemning the articles in this magazine by signing a statement organised by the Lesbian and Gay Coalition Against Racism.
Conference believes that the LGBT communities should condemn racism wherever it raises it ugly head. We should not allow anyone to use the defence of LGBT rights as an excuse to stir up fear and hatred.
Conference calls on all parts of the union and every individual member to challenge racism and Islamophobia at every opportunity.