LONDON RALLY AGAINST SHARIA LAW

A rally against religious law will take place this Saturday 21 November at Hyde Park, London. Organised by the One Law for All campaign – which opposes all religious laws in Britain and worldwide – the rally also aims to show solidarity with people resisting Sharia Law throughout the world.

Supporter Peter Tatchell said: “This protest is in solidarity with Muslims worldwide who are campaigning against the inequalities and inhumanities of Sharia law. We reject all religious laws and courts, including those inspired by Judaist and Christian fundamentalism. Sharia law is one of the most extreme manifestations of fundamentalist religion, which is why we need to highlight it.”

“We oppose interpretations of Sharia law that stipulate the execution of women who have sex outside of marriage, of Muslims who renounce their faith (apostates), and of Muslims who have same-sex relationships. We cannot accept the way some Islamic states, including western allies like Saudi Arabia, restrict women’s freedom of movement, impose compulsory dress codes on women, make women subject to the control of male guardians, and deny women access to certain jobs and positions in government.

“We believe that Muslim women and LGBT Muslims worldwide should have rights, freedoms and choices, in accordance with the principles of equality and non-discrimination that are enshrined in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” he said.

Campaign spokesperson Maryam Namazie added: “Sharia law is becoming a key battleground, particularly because it is an extension and representation of the rising threat of Islamism. Sharia matters to people everywhere because it adversely affects the rights, lives and freedoms of countless human beings across the world. Opposing Sharia law is a crucial step in defending universal and equal rights, and secularism, and showing real solidarity with people living under and resisting it everywhere.”

Saturday, 21 November 2009
12 noon to 2pm
Hyde Park, on North Carriage Drive, between Stanhope Place Gate and Albion Gate, Hyde Park (closest underground Marble Arch).