Amid rising concerns about forcing LGBT education in schools, a New Zealand umbrella Muslim group has sent an urgent advisory to Muslim parents concerned about schools participating in ‘Pride Week’.
The letter by the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) said concerned parents and educators contacted the group about the annual celebration of the LGBT+ community between June 12 and 16, Stuff reported.
Maintaining that schools have a choice to register for Pride events, FIANZ said it is not a regulation of the Ministry of Education.
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“We request all Muslim parents to take an active part in your local school and make your views known,” the letter stated.
“We suggest parents and caregivers contact the schools directly and share your concerns with the school principal, the school board and the class teacher.
“If your school has decided to participate in Pride Week, we have attached optional letters which you can send to the school.”
Defending Islamic Values
In Islam, Christianity, and all divine religions, same-sex relationship and marriage are totally prohibited.
Regarding the position of Islam,
Allah says in the Qur’an, “O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Qur’an 49:13)
Recently, Muslim scholars in North America published a statement entitled “Navigating Differences” in an attempt to offer a sense of clarity to the Muslim community and others regarding what Islam states unequivocally regarding sexual and gender norms from a theological perspective.
Also earlier this month, the London Council of Imams issued a statement criticizing Ontario school activities which promote LGBT values and defending Muslim parents’ right to exempt their children from these activities.
