Yesterday I said that Newsround was entirely wrong to promote a sexual orientation, a race or a religion. And soon afterwards the leader of the Muslim Council of Britain, Sir Iqbal Sacranie was speaking on the radio condemning gay people and civil partnerships. This is the Mirror website report:


4 January 2006
MUSLIMS CHIEF HITS AT GAYS

A MUSLIM leader last night angered gays by condemning civil partnerships and branding homosexuality harmful.

Sir Iqbal Sacranie, head of the Muslim Council of Britain, said same-sex relationships risked damaging the foundations of society.

He told BBC Radio 4's PM programme that homosexuality spread disease and was immoral.

Sir Iqbal said civil partnerships were "harmful" and not acceptable.

Peter Tatchell, of gay rights group OutRage!, responded to the remarks by saying: "It is tragic for one minority to attack another minority.

"The Muslim and gay communities suffer prejudice and discrimination."

Mr Tatchell added: "We should stand together to fight Islamophobia and homophobia."