We will not strive for homosexuals to publicly declare “the disobedience of God”, and whoever declares being involved in sexual relationships out of wedlock must be subjected to the law, said Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party in the first meeting of the party’s National Committee.
Benkiran, who newly restored his previous position in the party after the resignation of Saadeddine Othmani following the party’s defeat in the elections, said that the PJD under his leadership will not change its “strategic convictions,” and most importantly “adhering to the Islamic reference, with ijtihad, of course, and renewal,” will be always in the party’s agenda.
“If you want to change it, look for someone else,” added Benkiran.
The former Moroccan head of government dedicated a part of his first speech as the head of PJD to discussing homosexuality and sexual relations outside of wedlock in Morocco.
Benkiran said that homosexuals have always existed in the Islamic world and Morocco, but they have been hidden, adding that if they speak out publicly they will be held responsible before the law, and citing a number of religious texts to justify his statements.
“But we will not strive for homosexuals to publicly declare the disobedience of God, and whoever reads the Holy Qur’an sees the story of Lot, peace be upon him, repeated and clarified,” and added, asking, “What diligence? Shall we treat homosexuals like Europe?”
Benkiran continued his statements about personal freedoms in the Kingdom by calling consensual sexual relationships “adultery” and “filthiness.”
“Whoever of you has been afflicted with some of this filthiness should be covered up, and whoever declares it must be subject to the law,” added the new head of the opposition party.
Mr. Benkirane, I remind you that there are other subjects more important than homosexuality and adultery. You are trying to regain the confidence of the voters by bringing up trivial matters. Instead, tell us about the improper retirement you had!