Did you know America now has city-sized jurisdictions operating under Sharia? Got your attention? The city council of Hamtramck, Michigan, has an all-Muslim governing body and mayor. The local Hamtramck leadership voted unanimously to ban the display of LGBTQ Pride flags.
The resolution states the city’s commitment to representing the international character of Hamtramck. This is expressed by flying only the American flag and the flags of other nations. Mayor Pro Tem Hassan told opponents of the proposal, “You guys are the ones making problems… I’m working for the people, what the majority of the people like.”
Mayor Amer Ghalib expressed support for the resolution. His position is the city serves everyone equally and does not discriminate… that’s why gays cannot fly their flag. Ghalib says LGBTQ interests are represented on numerous boards and commissions.
Opponents accused him of hatred, to which his response is: He never terminated anyone from the LGBTQ community, which was deflection or maybe a threat depending on who you ask.
City Councilman Nayeem Choudhury said, “We want to respect the religious rights of our citizens… You guys are welcome… [but] why do you have to have the flag shown on government property to be represented? You’re already represented. We already know who you are. … By making this [about] bigotry … it’s making it like you want to hate us.”
Hamtramck’s decision to ban LGBTQ Pride flags, in their own estimation, stems from longstanding concerns about respecting Islamic religious rights. Mr. Choudhury’s words suggest the Pride flag’s presence on city property unnecessarily exacerbates divisions, which leaves unsaid the point of the disagreement; Islam does not tolerate gays.
During the public comment session, one woman suggested Hamtramck’s slogan should be altered to reflect the city “welcomes you if you’re straight.” She then engaged in a public display of affection with another woman. The incident shows the emotion around the debate.
A Muslim community leader from nearby Dearborn, Hassan Aoun, came to participate in the discussion. He voiced opposition saying, “Pride month, don’t put it down our throats… Do not put [the Pride flag] on city property.”
The corollary question from the opposition is: Why is it appropriate to have outside religious leaders participating in this local discussion at all?
The decision follows controversy surrounding Hamtramck’s Human Relations Commission Chair Russ Gordon flying a Pride flag alongside flags of other nations last year. Is Hamtramck now following Islamic theocracy or the American constitution? That’s the question being posed. Which side are you on? It is coming to a town near you.
