10 December 2009

The Cost of 'Islamophobia'

.... Before I go any further, it is important to look at what, if anything, Islamophobia actually means.

In 2005, Ken Livingstone famously embraced Islamist preacher Yusuf al-Qaradawi despite being repeatedly warned of the extreme homophobia and antisemitism that was regularly spewed out in his sermons.

Peter Tatchell lead the chorus of voices against this meeting and because he dared to point out that Qaradawi wanted him dead just because he was gay, Livingstone's office and its Islamist partners reached instantly for the most disgraceful option available: accusing Tatchell and his allies of spreading "lies and Islamophobia". [Standpoint] Read more