Islamic conference says homosexuality OK

[WillParkinson]

Islamic conference says homosexuality OK

The Jakarta Post reported today that moderate Muslim scholars see no reason to reject homosexuals under Islam.

The discussion was organized by Arus Pelangi, a non-governmental group.

Scholars said that condemnation of homosexuality by Muslims is based on narrow-minded interpretations of Islamic teaching.

Siti Musdah Mulia of the Indonesia Conference of Religions and Peace said:

“There is no difference between lesbians and non lesbians. In the eyes of God, people are valued based on their piety…And talking about piety is God’s prerogative to judge. The essence of the religion is to humanize humans, respect and dignify them.”

Another speaker at the discussion, Nurofiah of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), said that heterosexuality is a social construction that has ultimately led the majority to ban homosexuality.

http://www.365gay.com/news/islamic-conference-says-homosexuality-ok/

[harun]

1. Looks like a range of opinions with a number of them well thought out.

Thanks for posting this.

[Veruca Salt]

2. Wow. There needs to be more moderate Islamic houses of worship

to spread their teaching, because they really hit all the correct points on the head.

"However, according to Jakarta, Siti Musdah Mulia, said homosexuality is from God and should be considered natural."

That's beautiful, I think they're really liberal muslims though as I consider the christians who think this way liberal as well.

[closeupready]

8. I imagine everyone here would agree that homosexuality is the most natural thing in the world

at least for them it is. For me it is. I have ALWAYS been gay. I still recall having a crush on another boy I met on the very first day of kindergarten - obviously I was too young to understand my feelings, but I look back and understand that, if I was created by God, then I was created gay, too, and that's what He wanted for me.

It is especially beautiful to hear this from muslims when we are spammed on a daily basis by our right-wing media about how ugly and horrible and violent Islam is.

[Veruca Salt]

11. I would hope so, and for the most part I find that to be true here

Also, what you state: having always been gay, I can relate to your experience 100%. One of the most trying times in my life was when I was grappling with being gay and trying to deny what I was. It was also the most freeing when I came to the realization that I'm not attracted to guys at all it's woman all the way. For all the anguish it caused me and looking back now, I wish that I had taken a cue from my younger self who was always the prince for my princess playmates back in gradeschool.

We really do need these liberal branches of the big religions speaking out more, especially when they get IT and can opine thusly to others who don't. They're quietly changing minds and making people think. Because when my own mother can parade around telling me that it was my choice to be gay and I could change; it makes me remember that even though we will ultimately win our civil rights the proper way through the courts, something needs to be there to help society evolve so we don't have to live in fear for just being ourselves.

[Kajsa]

3. This news needs to reach all Muslims.

This is good news.

[Toasterlad]

4. The Ones Who Kill Gays Won't Care.

Just like the born again assholes, the radical muslims don't care what their god says. They only care about their moral superiority and the jollies they get from killing and maiming other people. Allah is not their religion, it's their excuse.

[RKP5637]

9. Allah is not their religion, it's their excuse. Yes, exactly like the Christian Right here looking

for excuses to vent their hatred and feel good about it... all cut out of the same piece of cloth, just calling themselves different names. And justifying it under their god. A bunch of real sick assholes!

[imdjh]

5. Heard this yesterday, that unlike Christianity, Islam says you will be judged on your good works.

In essence, God will weigh your good works against your bad acts. This is a huge departure from Christianity, which holds that nothing you can do will get you into heaven except the love of God and God's forgiveness which you might not get if you have been too bad.

[Jamastiene]

6. Wow! I wonder if we could get them to have a word of prayer

with some of our politicians and religious extremists here in America, who cannot seem to see us as humans, respect us, or dignify us.

[David Zephyr]

7. Good news.

This takes some gumption on part of these Muslims. For gay kids growing up in Muslim homes, here is a little good news for them and their parents.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

10. Like to know what percentage of muslims this group represents

Because Whabbi islam still advocates stoning.

[kenny blankenship]

12. Now we just give that about a thousand years to sink in...

[joeybee12]

13. In other news, homosexuals say islamic conference is ok...

I mean, this is good news, but why is it even debated today whether being gay is acceptable. The real question is why some people don't accept it...