Ireland’s most prominent Muslim cleric has spoken out strongly against the government’s proposed hate speech bill, arguing that the legislation will having a stifling effect on speech rights and religious freedom in Ireland.
Sheikh Dr. Umar al-Qadri, who grew up in the Netherlands after being born to a Pakistani scholarly family, has lived in Ireland since 2003, and stressed to Gript his worries about the effects of the bill.
“IMPACT ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM”
“I am certainly concerned about the potential impact of the hate speech bill on freedom of expression, and, as a faith leader, particularly about its impact on religious freedom,” he told Gript in an exclusive interview.
“The bill’s definition of “hate speech” is too broad and can therefore stifle legitimate expressions of religious beliefs. This may lead to to the targeting of faith communities through censorship or through discrimination.”
Al-Qadri said that in particular he feared the bill would prevent religious groups from stating their sincere beliefs on social issues, such as LGBTQI+ matters.
“For example if a Muslim or Christian faith leader expresses their religious belief that engaging in same sex relationship is unacceptable and prohibited within the religious framework, this could possibly lead to persecution for alleged hate speech,” he said.
“So as the bill currently stands it can restrict public statements or teachings related to religion. This will have a significant impact on the ability of faith communities to practise and express their faith freely.”
“CONTROVERSIAL AND UNPOPULAR” VIEWS MUST BE DEFENDED
Last year a Christian Finnish MP and ex-Interior Minister went on trial for alleged hate speech after tweeting negative opinions of homosexuality, including verses from the Bible relating to LGBTQI+ matters.
“I trust that we still live in a democracy & we have our constitution & international agreements that guarantee our freedom of speech & religion,”
Ahead of trial, Finnish MP facing jail after tweeting Bible verse says case a test of religious freedom:https://t.co/BXqypgzyqh
— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) January 18, 2022
When asked what he thought of this case, al-Qadri replied that it was “problematic.”
“Everyone should have the right to express themselves, including their religious or political beliefs, without fear of retaliation,” he said.
“The trial of Paivi Rasanen is problematic because it is a violation of both freedom of expression and religious freedom. Individuals should not be persecuted or punished for expressing their beliefs, even if these beliefs are controversial or unpopular to some, as long as one isn’t inciting to violence. It is important to promote and protect these fundamental human rights for everyone.”
“NOT ALL MIGRANTS SUPPORT TRANSGENDER IDEOLOGY”
On the matter of whether this Bill could alienate migrants from different cultural traditions by criminalising their cultural beliefs, al-Qadri said that there are a variety of views on these social issues.
“Not all migrants and not all Irish people support the transgender ideology promoted by the government,” he said.
“Different perspectives on this topic exist in our society, and these should be allowed to be heard. Banning alternative undermines free speech and restricts the freedom of thought, which are both fundamental principles of any democratic society.”
He added: “Having different perspectives on a controversial issue is completely normal and dialogue is essential to ensure that all perspectives are heard and respected.”
He said that while he respected LGBTQI+ people’s right to live in peace, they should similarly respect religious people’s right to hold alternative views.
“I acknowledge that the moral code I follow may contradict the values upheld by advocates of LGBTQ,” he said.
“Despite this, I respect their fundamental right to live peacefully and without harm. Peaceful co-existence can only be achieved if we can mutually respect each other’s opinions, without necessarily agreeing, accepting, promoting, or celebrating them.”
NEED TO “BUILD AN ALLIANCE OF FAITH LEADERS”
The cleric added that he knew of other Muslim and Christian leaders in Ireland that shared similar worries, and called on faith leaders of various religions to come together to tackle the issue collectively.
“I am aware of other Muslim and Christian leaders and organisations that share the same concern,” he said.
“I think it is important to build an alliance of faith leaders and organisations to combat challenges that faith communities are facing.”
“CHILDREN ARE BEING INDOCTRINATED INSTEAD OF TAUGHT”
He added that his organisation has publicly supported Catholic schools in their opposition to teaching gender identity issues, adding that “children are being indoctrinated instead of taught.”
“The Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council launched a statement a few months ago supporting the position of the Catholic Primary School Management Association about teaching gender identity issues to primary school children,” he said.
“We believe it is not appropriate to teach primary school children such a complex and contested topic, particularly when there is a lack of scientific consensus about the best way to treat children with gender dysphoria.
“We believe every child in primary school should be supported, respected, and treated with consideration. We think it is unacceptable to teach children about gender identity under the pretext of teaching them about diversity.”
He added: “It seems that our children are being indoctrinated instead of being taught. Exposing children to porn at a very young age is taking away their innocence, and as a parent I oppose this.”
“SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE”
The Sheikh went on to emphasise that separation of Church and State also included the State not meddling in religious affairs.
“The concept of the separation of Church and State is meant to ensure that the government does not enforce any specific religion on its citizens,” he said.
“In this sense, no government should encroach on religious values.”
ISLAM’S TRACK RECORD ON FREE SPEECH
When asked what he would say to anyone who criticised the lack of free speech in the Muslim world, al-Qadri replied that he was “actually glad” of this question, and said that he believed this trend was not representative of Islam as a religion.
“It is true that some people may criticise Islam for its perceived restrictions on freedom of speech,” he said.
“However, it is important to note that such criticisms is often based on a limited understanding of the religion and its teachings…It is important to remember that Muslim societies are not all the same. Just like any other society, there is a wide range of experiences within Muslim communities. There are many examples of inclusive, tolerant, and diverse Muslim societies, where freedom of speech and expression is valued and protected.”
OPPOSING CANCEL CULTURE
This was not the first time al-Qadri has weighed in on free speech issues in recent months.
In January of this year, the Sheikh spoke out in defence of comedian Tommy Tiernan after the host found himself embroiled in a controversy relating to allegedly offensive jokes. Al-Qadri said it was “unfair” and that Tiernan was being “cancelled.”
“Tommy joked if I would blow up after reciting from the Quran,” he said.
“I laughed at it because I was at the #TommyTiernanShow and expected it. It’s strange that some find it funny when a comedian jokes about other groups (nuns, priests) but do not find it funny when he jokes about them.”
#Tommy joked if I would blow up after reciting from the Quran. I laughed at it because I was at the #TommyTiernanShow and expected it. Its strange that some find it funny when a comedian jokes about other groups (nuns, priests) but do not find it funny when he jokes about them.
— Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri (@DrUmarAlQadri) January 22, 2023