The Scotsman reports that feminist and gay activists in Great Britain protested the arrival of Muslim cleric Dr. Yusuf al-Qaradawi. Al-Qaradawi is an extremist who has praised suicide bombers, defended domestic violence, and views homosexuality as something that needs to be punished by law. Of course, this being Europe, he was welcomed with open arms by London Mayor Ken Livingstone who describe criticism of Al-Qaradawi as anti-Muslim “hysteria.”
For example, here’s al-Qaradawi on how far a husband may go in punishing his wife,
It is permissible for him to beat her lightly with his hands, avoiding her face and other sensitive parts. In no case should he resort to using a stick or any other instrument that might cause pain and injury.
Peter Tatchell, leader of UK gay rights group Outrage!,
Ken Livingstone would not give a platform to the BNP. Dr. al-Qaradawi is even more extreme. He is an apologist for violence against women, Jews and gay people. We urge the Mayor of London not to host this misogynist, anti-Semitic homophobe.
Instead, Livingstone apologized to al-Qaradawi for the criticism he had to endure and invited him to return to London later this year.
Source:
Now cleric faces protests from gay group and feminists. John-Paul Ford Rojas and Neville Dean, Press Association, July 12, 2004.
Controversial preacher with ‘star status’. Magdi Abdelhadi, The BBC, July 7, 2004.
Livingstone invites cleric back. The BBC, July 12, 2004.