by Alan Jacques
DORAS Luimní is encouraging all Irish citizens to participate in the upcoming same-sex marriage referendum and to be well-informed on the issues.
The Limerick-based migrants rights agency believes the marriage equality referendum, which takes place on May 22, offers an opportunity for people with differing views and perspectives to openly discuss and learn from each other.
“We encourage all to participate in this important discussion and to be well-informed on these issues in advance of the forthcoming referendum. Our work centre’s on ensuring that the human rights of all persons are promoted and protected, regardless of their status,” explained Aideen Roche of Doras Luimní.
“We strive for a society in which all persons are respected as equals and we urge everyone to engage in this discussion by having their voices heard,” she said.
A letter circulated last week to Ireland’s Muslim community by Head Imam Shaykh Umar Al-Qadri, pointed out that being entitled to vote and participate in a political process is a “privilege”. He clarified that the referendum is not about changing Islamic marriage, but changing marriage in the Irish constitution.
According to Al-Qadri, the Islamic tradition has always acknowledged that some people may have “homosexual impulses and this is not considered a sin in Islam”.
“To act on these sexual impulses is considered a sin in Islam,” he declared.
Irish Muslims were urged to keep in mind both the Islamic stance on homosexuality and the consequences of the amendment for society ahead of next month’s referendum.
