“From today i will be boycotting any shops, petrol stations restaurants or businesses i know are owned by Muslims this also includes holidays to muslim countries today see our death toll up to 300 so why the hell are we not just flying this scum back out to there beloved states and pull out and let them fight out there own issues! Funny thing is most of there parent’s would have used i am escaping the brutal rules of muslim society when they arrived on UK shores [sic]."
Apart from the spelling mistakes, of which Mark is dyslectic and can be attributed to that. The rest of the posting establishes many misconceived ideas about Muslims and their religion based on a few people who chose the attack the police in an anti-racist protest in East London.
He has since admonished himself via a Facebook posting:
We can all draw our own conclusions about the posting, and his views compared to ours and the value of free speech in the UK that allows us to make views that may be abhorrent to others, as long as we don't cross over into hate speech.
Yet should a leading figure in the gay-scene, knowing the hurt caused by ignorant, misinformed views be more aware of the value of how hurtful such views can be to others. Regardless of your views on Muslims, and many of their religious views on homosexuality (not much different from any other religion I might add), is the implication that minorities should stuck up for minorities regardless, or should more care be given to the message given across.
Many people within the gay community have either supported Mark in his views, and espoused more of these on a similar trend (read the comments section for a taste), while others have criticised him for his lack of judgement. Are all Muslims evil, police-bashing terrorists, or just the minority, likewise are all gays, lesbians and trans people Islamophobic or any other kind of religion phobia. Are we really scared of those who use passages in their holy books to direct their anger and frustrations of LGBT's, or should we aim to build bridges with their wider religious communities to ensure our own safety and legal rights, in face of the minorities of religion who seem determined to dictate regardless of the consensus of the community.
We live, like it or not, in a wide ranging, poly religious, poly sexuality, poly ethnic country, with a wide range of beliefs, understandings and behaviours that are the base of our communities. We should look towards a more egalitarian vision so that miscommunication about one group isn't misrepresented by another to widen the gulf.
As LGBT's, we have a greater understanding of the hurt and danger that can be caused by widespread misbeliefs, and have worked hard to show them to that. We should be at the forefront of ensuring that this can be the same for other minority groups that are having the same problem now.
Firstly, I was directing my anger at extremists and I should have chosen my wording more carefully. It was written in anger at what I had viewed, and I should have taken time to think about this and not be reactionary. I also went on to state that I would boycott all Muslim businesses; again this was said in anger and in haste.
Many people know that I have conservative views, but I must stress I am not a Racist, Xenophobe or anti Islamic. I have had a long term relationship with someone who has Middle Eastern origins and have mixed race family members.
I wrote in anger and sadness at what is taking place in the UK and abroad and from having friends in the Armed forces who have been affected personally by ongoing conflict.
Due to the fact that I have caused so much offence and hurt within this community I am making this public apology along with the profits of XXL Pride weekend to the Iraqi LGBT group in London in light of the recent LGBT safe houses being raided.
I would also like to add that my partner has helped me type this statement as I suffer from Dyslexia. Mark Ames