Pakistan Muslim groups condemn US embassy gay meeting
Muslim groups in Pakistan have condemned a gay rights event at the US embassy as “social and cultural terrorism”.
The June 26th meeting, hosted by US deputy ambassador, Richard Hoagland, was held to support LGBT people in the country.
However, the group of faith officials, which also included the head of Pakistan’s largest Islamic party, Jamaat-e-Islami, said: “Such people are the curse of society and social garbage.”
According to Associated Press, a statement continued: “They don’t deserve to be Muslim or Pakistani, and the support and protection announced by the US administration for them is the worst social and cultural terrorism against Pakistan.”
While homosexuality is not specifically outlawed in Pakistan’s constitution, gay sex can lead to punishments of fines, whipping, prison or even death.
According to a statement released by the US embassy, Mr Hoagland told LGBT people at the reception: “I want to be clear: the US embassy is here to support you and stand by your side every step of the way.”
