Truth Will Out

Keeping an eye on those in, and those who aspire to, public office in Waltham Forest

Dear Councillor

The Truth Will Out Team are surprised to note that the political leaders in our community have nothad the opportunity to come forward and support Shaykh Usama Hasan who as we all know hasreceived death threats for expressing his views on Islam and evolution. We would like to to comeforward and endorse the views of the British Muslims for Secular Democracy and those publishedon their website, which states that

On 22nd January 2011, Shaykh Usama Hasan gave a lecture on “Islam and Evolution” at a mosquein Leyton, re-iterating his personal views on the issue. A fatwa had already been issued against him,and this was followed by death threats. This is not unlike the threats that scholars and scientistsreceive from Creationists in the US.

1. bmsd believes that freedom of expression is a right of citizens in a democratic society.However, it comes with concomitant responsibilities. While open debate should beencouraged, individuals and groups should refrain from using threatening words or behaviourthat stirs up hatred against individuals or groups of people, as defined by their beliefs.Theologians and other religious educators must be able to express multiple opinions onvarious issues, without fear of vigilante threats or violence.

2. Shaykh Usama Hasan's case highlights the need for immediate action on at least two fronts.Firstly by the state, and secondly by Muslim individuals and communities:

� The state must provide adequate protection for Shaykh Usama Hasan.� Action must be taken against people who incite vigilante violence and hatred.� Within Muslim communities, imams and religious scholars must affirm the importance

of proper etiquette when faced with differences of opinion. There are establishedtraditions of debate and disagreement within Islamic societies. Furthermore, Muslimscientists’ contribution to this debate must be given due appreciation."

In addition, we believe, that all sections of society should “affirm the importance of proper etiquettewhen faced with differences of opinion”. It is an aspect of UK democracy that must be upheld.Waltham Forest has a proud tradition of tolerance which illustrates our community’s desire to upholdthe principles of open debate. This is not an issue for the Muslim community alone as it affects usall.

We look forward to hearing from you as individuals or from your political groupings confirming yoursupport for Shykh Usama Hasan’s right to instigate a debate on Islam and evolution plus yourexpression of support requiring the state take action to protect Shaykh Usama Hasan and takeaction against those who threaten him with harm.

The Truth Will Out Team

Email: walthamforesttruthwillout@live.co.uk

Website: www.truthwilloutinwalthamforest.wordpress.com