World Protests Planned To Denounce Egypt Gay Trial
365Gay.com
Newscenter in Toronto, August 9, 2001
By Jack Siu
Toronto — Al-Fatiha an international GLBT Muslim
organization has called for worldwide demonstrations to protest the trial of
52 men in Egypt.
The men were arrested in a gay club at a riverboat on the Nile. They have
been charged with crimes against Islam.
Al-Fatiha is urging people to flood Egyptian embassies and consulates
around the world on August 15 with phone calls, faxes, and emails calling for
the immediate and unconditional release of the detained men.
August 15 is the day the trial for the 52 resumes in Cairo.
Al-Fatiha is also organizing August 15 protests at Egyptian embassies and
consulates. The group has gained the support of Metropolitan Community Church
Founder and Moderator Troy Perry and Amnesty International.
Rev Perry has designated August 15 as an "International Day of
Mourning and Solidarity."
"The majority, if not all, of these men have been detained solely on
the grounds of their alleged sexual orientation. As such they are prisoners of
conscience."
Rev Perry has instructed MCC churches throughout the world to offer prayers
for the 52 men and their families during public worship services on Saturday,
August 11 and Sunday, August 12, and that information on these human rights
violations by shared with congregants on those days.
"The current crisis in Egypt provides an opportunity for us to join
hands with our Moslem brothers and sisters to further the cause of social and
spiritual justice for all people," Rev Perry said.
In Canada the Egyptian Embassy is located at 454 Laurier Avenue East.(613-
234-4931)
(For other Egyptian embassies or consulates go to http://www.mfa.gov.eg/frames.asp?id=01
and click on "Egyptian Missions Abroad.")
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