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British Muslims for Secular Democracy (bmsd) are alarmed at reports that Green Lane Mosque in Birmingham have invited the anti-Semitic and sectarian preachers Faisal al-Jasem and Abdul Aziz As-Sadhan to speak at a conference

18/12/2009

British Muslims for Secular Democracy (bmsd) are alarmed at reports that Green Lane Mosque in Birmingham have invited the anti-Semitic and sectarian preachers Faisal al-Jasem and Abdul Aziz As-Sadhan to speak at a conference from 25th to 27th December 2009.

BMSD and a coalition of religious and non-religious leaders have sent an open letter to Green Lane Mosque asking them to rescind their invitation to these two speakers:

http://www.bmsd.org.uk/articles.asp?id=44

We note that freedom of expression is a cherished right, but one which comes with concordant responsibilities to refrain from using threatening words or behaviour that stir up hatred against groups of people defined by their religious beliefs, or lack of belief. Incitement to religious hatred is also a criminal offence, under the Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006.

Dr Shaaz Mahboob of BMSD says: "We strongly condemn racism and religious hatred in all its forms.  We stand shoulder to shoulder with people of different religious and non-religious beliefs who contribute towards the shared goal of a peaceful and cohesive society.  We proudly defend religious freedom, a vital component of any healthy democracy and free society."

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Notes to the editors:  

  1. bmsd is made up of a group of Muslim democrats of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, who support a clear separation between religion and the State.  
  2. bmsd’s mission statement:   “To promote civic engagement, social inclusion, responsible citizenship and good governance particularly within constituent Muslim communities of Britain; in order to build an understanding of the shared values between all citizens to enable them to live in an inclusive, pluralist, secular and confident Britain.”   
  3. bmsd claims no mandate or false representative status. Our primary concern is democratic engagement not detailed theological analysis or debate. The level and depth of commitment to the doctrinal core and orthodoxy of the faith varies among Muslims as much as it does in members of other faith groups. bmsd founders wish to create a platform for alternative, diverse Muslim views, essential for a progressive, multi-layered, democratic identity that is not in conflict with itself or fellow citizens.  
  4. For details please visit http://www.bmsd.org.uk  
  5. For any further queries, please contact:  Dr Shaaz Mahboob on  shaaz@bmsd.org.uk or 07961365751 or Tehmina Kazi on 0207 631 4175