Allegations of religious intolerance surface as Bury’s Asian Community Radio Station singles out Local Councillors
BCR, a local Asian community radio station located in Moorgate, Bury, has found itself embroiled in controversy after singling out local councillors, alleging that they are no longer Muslim due to their attendance at the Bury Pride event in their capacity as elected representatives.
The controversy erupted when Salaam BCR broadcasted statements on their YouTube channel implying that certain local councillors had abandoned their Muslim faith by participating in the Bury Pride event, which celebrates and supports the LGBTQ+ community. These allegations of religious intolerance have drawn strong reactions from the public and raised questions about the role of religion in politics and public life.
Our News Team contacted the Councillors in question, and none of the councillors have chosen to respond to the right to reply.
The Councillors shown in the video are,
Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing
Councillor Shaheena Haroon, Redvales Labour
Councillor Ummrana Farooq, Deputy Cabinet Member for Communities
Councillor Khalid Hussain, Conservative Deputy Mayor
In the YouTube video published by Salaam BCR in June 2023, the presenter says, “any Muslim quote me any Muslim who advocates who says that homosexuality is permissible or okay or it's a personal preference” and follows on to say “he is not a Muslim he has nullified his religion. He's not a Muslim anymore he's out of the fold of Islam.
Further into the YouTube video the narrative includes “So, they force our children to learn this filth about a boy having two fathers who gave birth to that boy none of them how can he have two fathers well this is LGBT xywz.”
It then goes on later in the video, “How can he have two mothers. Is he Jesus where is where is the father where is the male intervention nothing and they tell you to respect I have no problem with respect we respect all people.”
The allegations by Salaam BCR have sparked outrage among local residents, community leaders, and non-profit organisations. Many believe that it is inappropriate and harmful to question someone's religious faith based on their participation in events that promote inclusivity and acceptance whilst in their elected role that should be seen to encourage community cohesion. Local groups and leaders from various religious backgrounds have supported the councillors.
Our News team spoke to a number of residents in the North Manor ward in Bury, where one of the involved Councillors represents, and local residents are calling for an end to religious divisiveness and for elected officials to be judged on their commitment to serving their constituents, rather than their religious beliefs.
One resident that we spoke to said, “The elected officials should be supporting their communities as a whole and promoting inclusivity, and if they cannot do that, then they should step down”.
The controversy surrounding Salaam BCR's accusations against local councillors attending the Bury Pride event has ignited a passionate debate in the Bury community. It raises important questions about the role of faith in politics and the responsibility of elected representatives to represent all members of their communities, regardless of their backgrounds and whether Salaam BCR should be allowed to continue to operate as a Community Radio station.
Salaam BCR was contacted for comment in relation to its anti-LGBT agenda. However, the response is not suitable to publish due to its offensive imagery. A copy of this response can be obtained upon request.
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