East London Mosque demands apology for ‘Allah is gay’ placards at Pride in London

Pride in London has been accused of Islamophobia after anti-Muslim signs allegedly appeared in the event’s parade.

Secularist group the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) caused controversy by marching in the July 8 event.

Now leaders from the East London Mosque have accused organisers of igniting hate by allowing the group.

Placards bearing the words “Allah is gay” and “F*** Islam” appeared in the parade, according to photos from the day.

Muslim leaders have condemned the decision to allow the signs – insisting they have a good record on LGBT rights in London.

East London Mosque spokesman Salman Farsi told the Evening Standard: “We’ve raised a complaint with the co-chairs of the event that the group was inciting hatred against Muslims, and in particular [in relation] to our good name, based on absolutely groundless reasons.

“Our track record for challenging homophobia in East London is quite well known,” he added.

“For us to see such a mainstream event that is supposed to celebrate tolerance and love used as a hate platform was really quite shocking.

“One of the signs said ‘Islamophobia is an oxymoron’.

“Our religion doesn’t promote hatred or homophobia.

“Yes, there might be theological topics dealing with homosexuality in Islam, but that’s clearly very separate from promoting hatred and homophobia,” said Mr Farsi.

Mr Farsi is now demanding an apology from Pride bosses.

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The ex-Muslim group, made up of “non-believers, atheists, and ex-Muslims”, was one one of the official parade groups for this year’s Pride march.

The event was also attended by openly Muslim LGBT groups, as it has been in previous years.