First Gay Imam Muhsin Hendricks Shot Dead in South Africa

Muhsin Hendricks, the first openly gay imam, was shot dead in South Africa, sparking fears of a hate crime. Once a pioneer for LGBTQ+ Muslims, Hendricks’s murder evokes strong reactions from advocacy groups and officials, demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. His death reflects ongoing violence against the LGBTQ+ community in a country with high murder rates.

In a tragic event in South Africa, Muhsin Hendricks, celebrated as the world’s first openly gay imam, was shot and killed in Bethelsdorp, prompting fears that this might have been a hate crime. Local police report that at around 10 a.m. on Saturday, Hendricks, aged 58, was in a gold-colored VW T-Roc when assailants in a silver Hilux blocked their path and opened fire, leading to his untimely death. Emergency responders found Hendricks deceased in the vehicle after the attackers fled the scene.

Hendricks, recognized for coming out as gay in 1996, was the executive director of the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ Muslims in reconciling their faith with their sexual orientation. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA World) expressed severe concern over the incident, fearing it may have been motivated by hate. The South African Department of Justice has vowed to monitor the investigation closely and ensure justice is served if hate crime elements are confirmed.

The Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa (MJC) condemned the shooting, acknowledging allegations of a motive rooted in homophobia. While they stated that Hendricks’s beliefs were inconsistent with traditional Islamic teachings, they condemned violence against the LGBTQ+ community unequivocally. Hendricks was the subject of the documentary “The Radical,” representing his commitment to establishing a mosque for LGBTQ+ Muslims despite facing threats to his safety.

This incident takes place amid alarming murder rates in South Africa, where gun violence remains prevalent. As calls for thorough investigations increase, communities and advocacy groups alike mourn the loss of a figure who championed LGBTQ+ rights within the Islamic faith, hoping for justice and change in the face of violence.

The assassination of Muhsin Hendricks highlights critical societal issues regarding hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community in South Africa. His legacy as a pioneering figure advocating for the rights of queer Muslims stands in stark contrast to the violence he faced, emphasizing the need for justice and societal change. Responses from various organizations indicate a pressing demand for thorough investigations and human rights protections.

Original Source: www.cnn.com