God Abhors You': UK Muslims Convicted for Distributing Pamphlets Advocating the Murder of Gays

A disturbing trial came to a close this week in London, England, after three men were convicted of distributing pamphlets that called for gays and lesbians to be murdered. The hateful fliers were disturbing at best. One of them, titled, "Death Penalty?," showed a mannequin that was hanging from a noose and said that gays should be sent to hell.

The Mirror provides more details on the contents within the "Death Penalty" leaflet, as it read that anyone found in the act of homosexuality should receive capital punishment:

It states: "The death sentence is the only way this immoral crime can be erased from corrupting society and act as a deterrent for any other ill person who is remotely inclined in this bent way."

The leaflet continues: "The only dispute amongst the classical authorities was the method employed in carrying out the penal code."

It goes on to offer burning, being flung from a high point such as a mountain or building, or being stoned to death as suitable methods.

Other leaflets apparently read "Turn or Burn" and "God Abhors You" (the acronym for this last one was GAY). These handouts were intended to protest a gay pride march that was taking place in the city of Derby back in 2010. Another pamphlet, which allegedly compared homosexuality to pedophilia, wasn't given out, but is said to have been discovered.

The BBC has more regarding the case:

Ihjaz Ali, 42, Mehboob Hussain, 45, Umar Javed, 38, Razwan Javed, 27, and Kabir Ahmed, 28, have said the leaflets - which included quotations from religious sources - were designed to "raise awareness." [...]

Mr Ali approached police a few weeks before the gay pride event to ask about a counter-protest by members of the Muslim community.

He was advised to be careful about the wording of signs and placards, the court heard.

He was eventually refused permission for the protest because he did not apply to the council with enough time.

The men were brought up on charges of hatred targeted at sexual orientation, though they maintain that they were merely attempting to raise awareness about an issue they were passionate about. In March 2010, new laws governing such offenses were put into effect and this was the first case being prosecuted under them.

Offenders found guilty could receive up to seven years in prison, but because there is no precedent yet through which to judge, it will be fascinating to see how these men are penalized. In the end, Huddain and Umar Javed were found not guilty, while the others were charged with the crime.

The men will be sentenced on February 10.

(H/T: Atlas Shrugs)