LGBT rights and Islam: Inherent oxymoron or possible harmony?

Homosexuality constitutes an entrenched taboo in many Muslim countries and communities. LGBT people of Muslim origin are often treated as out-groups and they face severe discrimination and mistreatment, either as a result of harsh laws or due to the homophobic attitude of their families and communities. What are the causes of this problem? Our guest panelists discussed whether it stems from Islam or rather from other elements, such as culture, colonial heritage, or an incorrect interpretation of the sacred texts.
Discussants
Arash Guitoo isa research associate at Max Planck Institute for comparative and international Private Law in Hamburg.
Tugay Sarac is lecturer at the progressive Ibn Rushd-Goethe Mosque and does workshops on queer rights and women’s rights for young students in Berlin and Germany. He is project manager of the “Anlaufstelle Islam und Diversity”, a project by and for queer Muslims and ex-Muslims.
Moderator
Tommaso Virgili is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Migration, Integration, Transnationalization Department.