The distinguished Jaafari Mufti Sheikh Ahmed Qabalan discussed with the head of the "Reform and Unity" Movement Sheikh Maher Abdurrazak and the head of the "Our Say and Work" Movement Sheikh Ahmed Al-Qattan, various Islamic and Arab matters. The meeting underscored, according to a statement from the Jaafari Fatwa House, their "rejection of the phenomenon of homosexuality and the attempts by some deputies to legislate it in Lebanon." They condemned "the repeated attempts to burn and desecrate the Holy Quran, considering this act not as an expression of opinion but a crime that sows hatred between the peoples of the world."
Sheikh Qabalan emphasized that "what we want is a president who does not gamble with the republic or exploit sectarianism—a president formed by legislative processes, not international influences; a president of reform, not corruption; a president who unites rather than divides; a president who does not oppose Syria and is a partner to the Arabs, Asia, and the world in accordance with Lebanese interests; a president who knows no despair or surrender, possessing hope and the ability to restore Lebanon's position."
Sheikh Ahmed Al-Qattan made a statement saying: "We discussed the latest developments that, unfortunately, cause one to feel disgust in this country when we see some deputies proposing a draft law to abolish Article 534, which criminalizes homosexuality in Lebanon. We have confirmed with His Eminence that it is the duty of all sects, denominations, and religious leaders to confront this unnatural phenomenon. The punishment for these deviants should be harsher than what is currently provided in Article 534, and we must be stricter in applying the law and criminalizing those who seek to undermine the values and principles that we all believe in and which all divine laws uphold. Therefore, we raise our voices alongside all the religious leaders who are fighting against this deviation in Lebanon, and we demand that all schools dedicate classes to warn against these unnatural phenomena, which affect our communities and our sound social living."
Sheikh Abdurrazak condemned the burning of the Holy Quran and called on officials to work to stop these provocative acts. He urged all concerned parties and deputies to expedite the election of a new president for the republic.
