Probe into ‘evil deeds’ homophobic message row
AN Islamic education trust is alleged to have branded gay people as ‘evil.’
A Charity Commission compliance case has now been opened into the Abu Bakr Trust after staff were reported to have used social media to promote homophobic views.
The charitable trust runs three schools, a nursery, a mosque and an Islamic centre in Walsall.
In one post, the trust allegedly described LGBTQ views as “evil deeds”. Bosses have since claimed a volunteer made the posts without authorisation.
The trust said it “accepted full responsibility” for what it described as an “oversight” and apologised for any offence caused.
It comes after Ofsted inspectors praised children at the schools for having a “sound understanding of fundamental British values” and “showing tolerance” to people with different beliefs.
The allegations were raised as part of research carried out by think tank Henry Jackson Society.
It found that the trust allegedly told its followers to pray “for protection from evil deeds” when it shared a post on Facebook.
The re-posted message featured a prayer for “protection against LGBTQ” and the phrase “My Lord, save me and my family from what they do”.
Someone with links to the trust also allegedly shared a Facebook video of a Taliban cleric claiming he was “very bright”, according to the Henry Jackson Society.
Charlotte Littlewood, who conducted the research into the Abu Bakr Trust at the Henry Jackson society, raised concerns schools were preparing children for a “life of intolerance and division”.
She said: “It’s a very worrying time for the LGBT community. We seem to be making great leaps in some areas but in this particular area, we are just not making the same headway. I’m worried about the impact this has on our young people if they are being taught intolerance.”
No findings of wrongdoing have been made at this stage and a formal investigation has not been opened.
An Abu Bakr Trust Charity spokesman said: “Responsibility for social media was not created by the charity, instead community volunteers had taken the initiative to set up a Facebook page in 2011.
“When the trustees became aware of this, they were told that it was only used to post monthly prayer timetables and upcoming events. From its history, it can be confirmed that this platform has minimal activity.”
He said: “The posts were made by a volunteer, but no staff or trustees approved them. We deleted the posts immediately. We apologise for any upset or offence and are working with advisers and the Charity Commission to put in place an effective controls.”