UK: Muslims Preferred Over Gays

[Ian David]

UK: Muslims Preferred Over Gays
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March 10, 2005

UK: Muslims Preferred Over Gays
In Britain, it looks like the Labour Party is trying to woo Muslim voters by snubbing gays. Labour has backed a bill that would protect Muslims against discrimination but they refuse to do the same for gays - because protecting gays against discrimination would upset the Muslims they are pandering to.

The Sunday Times explains:

Downing Street fears that Muslims, whose votes could be the key to saving the seats of many Labour MPs, might feel offended if they were “lumped together” with homosexuals. The change comes despite the fact that there are thought to be around 3m gay voters, compared with 1.3m Muslims of voting age in Britain.

Under the bill, it will become illegal for the provider of any goods or services — such as a hotel, shop, pub or restaurant — to refuse to serve someone on the grounds of their religion. It is already illegal to do so on the basis of race or gender.

It had been expected that the bill would include protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Ministers planned to introduce such a safeguard after a gay couple from London were refused a double room at a bed and breakfast in Scotland because the owner said their relationship was “unnatural”.

More:
http://topix.net/r/0G3UF8Xfk0N0K2FaUJHRPr8ZQEz9BIQ212jPZegiv7fHNnH6nm8CEjaaW1LMmHc=2BQior3XMJ8IbS2vn=2FnGbYaeA=3D=3D

[beam me up scottie]

1. Despicable.

You don't "woo" one minority by allowing discrimination of another.
This is what many dems wanted us to do in order to get the support of moderates.
Dean refused. The umbrella should be big enough for all.

[Ian David]

2. 3. Related thread:Conservative Christians and Muslims United against gays

Conservative Christians and Muslims United against gays
Topic started by IanDB1 on Feb-01-05 03:15 PM (17 replies)
Last modified by iverglas on Feb-03-05 11:01 AM
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=221&topic_id=5440

[xchrom]

3. ''might feel offended if they were “lumped together” with homosexuals.''

charming.

what a bunch of fuckin jerks -- fuckin lunacy.
fundies of all stripes -- go back to your own planets please.
the other religous bigots miss you.

and let's stop calling western govs -- representative. phooey.

[Brian_Expat]

4. Why are people surprised?

Labour fought military equality tooth and nail until the European Court forced their hand. And the civil partnership bill took AGES to bring to law, years after the Liberal Democrats first proposed it back in 1997.

Gays should vote Lib Dem and send Tony Blair a message. The conservatives have no chance, and a coalition Labour/Lib Dem government would be a much better government for gay Britons.