As I understand it, if Islam is correct homosexuality is a sin and punishable by annihilation. For a homosexual to go on believing in Islam seems rather like a calf singing the praises of beef stew. Much, much better to get out altogether if you can.

Alice any good that may have come from your peice was lost for me as soon as I read the blame the white guys bit, after that I stopped reading.

Kenny wrote: Alice any good that may have come from your peice was lost for me as soon as I read the blame the white guys bit, after that I stopped reading.

I got as far as this rubbish: "Although sex is a natural part of life according to Islam unlike in Christianity which traditionally promotes celibacy, it is generally strictly regulated to take place ideally only between married heterosexual couples".

Christians and Muslims generally agree that ideally sex is between a male and female, married to each other and virgins at marriage. Most Christian faiths, notably not Catholics, further promote marriage of their religious, and the desiability of those religious having child-producing sex with their spouses.

'Although sex is a natural part of life according to Islam unlike in Christianity which traditionally promotes celibacy,'

I can assure you my three kids did not come from Immaculate
conception. It seems that Alice interprets both faiths to fit her dogma.

Even though my own support was with the Athiest float, I loved the Muslim Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Float. Their star performer was undoubtedly a young Muslim man in a purple sequened Burka and sun glasses. He looked fabulous and had a great sence of humour. Given the full television coverage of the Mardi Gras by Arena, I wouldn't be surprised if Muslims Against Homophobia receive some air play in Muslim countries.

If it happens, then that will be a step forward in a community debate about se-xual diversity. In newly liberated Middle Eastern countries, that debate may lead in time to greater tolerance and personal freedoms in their societies. Thanks Alice, for a great article.

This a great step forward in removing some of the prejudices and homophobia in Islam. Like Christianity there is a growing compassion and awareness of the injustice and discrimination experienced by same sex couples. Muslims and Christians alike are finally evolving towards something resembling civilisation.

It has always seemed a paradox that homosexuality should be considered a greater sin than the murder of those homosexuals for no other reason than the love for someone of the same gender.