Belgium to deport homophobic imam appointed by Turkey's religious authority
* Photo: Green Mosque/Facebook
Click to read the article in Turkish / Kurdish
Belgium will deport an imam from Turkey for sharing homophobic messages on social media. The Flemish government has also taken legal action to cancel the license of the Green Mosque (Groen Moskee).
As reported by Yusuf Özkan from BBC Türkçe, the imam was working in the Green Mosque in Houthalen-Helchteren near Genk. He wrote a discriminatory message on Facebook and said that "homosexuality is an illness, causes decay and is forbidden by Islam."
He referred to the sermons of Ali Erbaş
The imam also referred to the homophobic Friday sermon of Turkey's President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş. After a follower commented, "Homosexuality is a virus of capitalism and democracy", the imam then thanked this follower for this comment.
CLICK - Reactions Against President of Religious Affairs' Hate Speech
Sammy Mahdi, the federal government's state minister responsible for asylum and migration, has announced that the residence permit of the imam who has been living in Belgium for 3 years will not be extended.
"Those who come here to sow the seeds of hatred in our society do not have a place here," the Minister has commented further.
Appointed by Turkey's Presidency of Religious Affairs to work in Belgium, the imam made an application to Belgium's Immigration Authority in October and requested the extension of his residence and work permit.
He will be requested to leave the country
The authorities in Belgium have also launched an investigation against the imam over his homophobic remarks on the grounds that "he can disturb public order and national security" of the country.
The government of Belgium will reportedly request that the imam, with his residence permit not extended, leave the country.
Mahdi has said, "We cannot tolerate this stigmatization of the homosexual community and spreading of such messages. If you have the right to work as an imam in Belgium, you have an exemplary duty. Everyone who does not want to hold our values will have to bear the consequences."
Flemish Domestic Affairs and Integration Minister Bart Somers has also taken a legal action to cancel the license of the Green Mosque.
'I don't know the name of the imam'
Houthalen-Helchteren Mayor Alain Yzermans has also said that the municipal council will seriously consider the issue of the Green Mosque.
An official from the mosque has spoken to the BBC Türkçe and said that he is surprised by the decision of the Belgian government, adding that they will discuss the necessary legal action with their attorney today. The executive of the mosque association was asked about the name of the imam, but he insisted on not telling it, saying, "I don't know, I have forgotten." (SO/SD)