Islam versus Europe

Gays in Lyon had been planning a "Kiss-in" on May 7 in front of the city's main mosque to protest against Muslim homophobia. The organisers have now cancelled the event, however, having received threats from Muslims and a lack of support from their usual left-wing fellow travellers on gay issues. Lyon Lesbian and Gay Pride declined to participate in the event despite having joined a similar "Kiss-In" last year in front of Lyon Cathedral. In their statement, the organisers said the following:

We have received numerous threats concerning May 7th, as well as homophobic insults from those who tarnish the image of islam: islamic fundamentalists.

We regret that the associations for the defence of the gay cause which have had the courage to confront Catholic fundamentalists have not had the same willingness to denounce Muslim fundamentalists.

We want to make clear that at no moment did we intend to injure or discriminate against the Muslim population of Lyon, but that our event was rather a message of love, tolerance and solidarity.