Today, as the world marks International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, two of my gay brothers were sentenced to 85 cane lashes for making love to each other. The Indonesian Shariah court will enact this punishment on May 23, just two days before the start of Ramadan (read more).
The crimes against human rights and LGBTQI lives in Chechnya and the rise of Muslim fueled homophobia in Indonesia’s Aceh province are just a few of the reminders that there is still so much work needed to do. All over the world, and in all religions, we need to rise up against hatred in the so-called name of the divine and tradition.
I call on my Muslim colleagues and leaders of faith to rise up against these dangerous and devastating concessions to fanatics. I call on faith leaders of every denomination to unite against these and all forms of bigoted scapegoating.
Stay tuned for info on a protest on May 23rd and others to follow throughout Pride Month. With pride and privilege comes response and responsibility. Want to be part of it? Please let us know by emailing kerry@labshul.org
I hope to stand with many of my Muslim sisters and brothers and others this coming Ramadan in unity and solidarity, honoring all humans as sacred, precious, and in divine image. InShaAllah.
To our brothers in Aceh – you are not alone. The world is watching. We will do what we can to help prevent, protest, and support you and those who are victims of hate.
– Rabbi Amichai
