Today's by-election... how do you think it will go?

[Westfacing]

A few months back according to the media it was Reform's for the taking - now it's a three-way bet between Labour, Greens and Reform

Screenshot for anyone not on Insta.

… and Catholics and Baptists and Scientologists and Orthodox Jews? There are a lot of religions that are against homosexuality and/or same-sex marriage, but according to that poster, only Muslims are the issue.

It's a random Insta account with a few thousand followers, around 0.2% of the UK's muslim population.

I knew you'd post this!

It's one organisation. Unless you can prove that all Muslims belong to that organisation and do what they say, it's meaningless.

Reform have 340,000 followers 🤷‍♀️ but I imagine far more support than that??

I just looked this up as it seems concerning either way, and apparently a poll of 1,000 is the industry standard and, if carried out correctly, can represent a vastly larger figure to a three per cent margin of error. I would be pleased to read of a poll that showed positive Muslim attitudes towards gay rights.

You think Instagram support is directly correlative to support in real life?

If somebody can produce such a poll I would welcome it?

I won't dignify this with a response. Jesus, critical thinking nowadays.

from the UK?

Straw clutching much?

Ditto. You post link to insta site, people say it has no followers, you reply 'you think Instagram reflects what people think'? Is this a wind-up now?

It interests me the number of people who've uncritically accepted Democracy Volunteers claims.

Socialists and fascists are much of muchness to me. Fortunately, both DH and I can transfer our jobs to Asia, but I'd much rather stay in the UK.

You asserted that the following numbers indicated general support. I’m just asking you to transfer this to another party, to show it doesn’t quite work.

Yes, me too. 2 cheeks of the same arse as the saying goes.

You asked, I answered, you’re now wound up. Don’t ask questions that make you look silly if you don’t want to get flustered.

Galloway fan?

You are completely correct that not all Muslims like any other religious or ethnic group, think exactly the same.

However there are surveys that show certain views are more prevalent amongst the Muslim faith than say the general population.

For example 62% of the UK population think it would be wrong to outlaw homosexuality, compared to only 28% of Muslims.

Only 24% of British Muslims have a negative view of Hamas compared to 60% of the population.

46% of British Muslims rising to 55% in male British Muslims believe that Jews have too much power over UK Government policy compared to 16% of general population.

39%of British Muslims rising to 44% in British male Muslims believe that Jews have too much power over UK financial system compared to 17% of wider population.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/apr/11/british-muslims-strong-sense-of-belonging-poll-homosexuality-sharia-law

https://henryjacksonsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HJS-Deck-200324-Final.pdf

There are majority Christian countries where homosexuality is illegal too.

I don't agree with that at all, but I also note that the people who have come here from conservative Muslim or Christian countries have chosen to move away from those countries, so I don't make any assumptions about their beliefs on the basis of where they come from.

I accept that many Muslims consider homosexuality to be wrong. Many Christians also share this view. I find this belief offensive, personally, but I am also aware that not everyone who holds this belief would necessarily want to impose their views on other people. Some would, of course, and they must be stopped at all costs.

Is there a problem with misogyny and homophobia in certain Muslim communities? Yes, absolutely there is, and it needs to be recognised and tackled. Are those problems unique to Muslim communities? No, they aren't. Are those attitudes universal to all Muslims? No, they aren't.

Not so long ago, attitudes towards homosexuality amongst white British people were very different from what that are now. There are plenty of young British Muslims with more liberal views than their parents and grandparents, and they will drive change in their own communities. I have already seen evidence of this in my own community.

And you'd see very similar views among orthodox Jews and evangelical Christians. The problem is religion.

I'm not remotely wound up or flustered, that's you projecting! I am just appalled by your blatant anti-Muslim stance on this thread and the fact you keep doubling down on it.

I'd love to know what your ultimate wish is. Banning UK Muslims from voting?

I'd say 'constantly' is a stretch.

Just amused by the contortions people are going to on here to distance themselves from homophobia within the Muslim community.

I don't think anyone's denying that homophobia exists within the Muslim community. Just like it does in plenty of other religious communities – including, no doubt, some where Reform voters reside. We're pointing out that in voting terms Muslims are not going to be overturning LGBTQ+ protections in the UK, which is what that PP is implying in their thinly veiled attempt to whip up anti-Muslim sentiment.

Other religious communities (such as they are in the UK) are not voting tactically on issues which have nothing to do with the UK.