Iraqi Shiite Cleric Sadr Blames The Coronavirus Pandemic On Gay Marriage
Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has accused the LGBT+ community of causing the coronavirus pandemic, according to ‘Rudaw’.
“One of most significant things to cause the spread of this epidemic is the legalization of same-sex marriage,” said the top cleric, adding “hence, I call on governments to repeal this law immedietely, without delay.”
The British ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey responded to Sadr’s comment saying the United Kingdom “will not change its law on equal marriage, which they are proud of.
“Instead, let's work together on a better foundation of medical and scientific advice to win the battle against coronavirus,” added the ambassador.
Amir Ashour, founder and executive director at IraQueer, says comments like Sadr’s are dangerous for Iraq’s LGBT+ community: “We believe such tweets are not only misleading the public scientifically, but are also an attempt to weaponize the current situation and capitalize on the fear of people from the unknown to increase attacks against LGBT+ people.
“Muqtada al-Sadr is leading a militia which has a documented history of torturing and killing LGBT+ people in organized campaigns using horrific means,” added Ashour in an email statement to Rudaw English.
LGBT+ advocacy group, Rasan Organization, also commented on Sadr’s statement: “As usual, Iraqi politicians continue fooling their nation and escaping responsibility. It is embarrassing and surprising for a figure like Muqtada al-Sadr to be unaware of what is going on and rather blame a marginalized group of society for being the source of COVID-19.”
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