Saudi cleric: 'Homosexuality not a deviation from Islam, should not be punished'

The cleric, Salman Odah, stated that "even though homosexuality is considered a sin in all the Semitic holy books, it does not require any punishment in this world."

By MAAYAN GROISMAN
Masked Islamic State terrorists throw man accused of being gay off of a high-rise building (photo credit: Courtesy)
Masked Islamic State terrorists throw man accused of being gay off of a high-rise building
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Challenging the Islamic view on homosexuality, a Saudi religious preacher has argued that although homosexuality is a sin, it should not be punishable by law, the Saudi daily Eilaph reported Saturday, citing an interview in a Swedish newspaper.
In the interview, Salman Odah stated that "even though homosexuality is considered a sin in all the Semitic holy books, it does not require any punishment in this world. It is a sin that will accompany its committer in the life after death."
"Homosexuals are not deviating from Islam. Homosexuality is a grave sin, but those who say that homosexuals deviate from Islam are the real deviators. By condemning homosexuals to death they are committing a graver sin than homosexuality itself," Odah further said.
"Even though homosexuality does not distance oneself from Islam, the Islam does not encourage individuals who have same-sex attraction to show their feelings in public," Odah added.
The Saudi cleric's remarks aroused fiery reactions on Arab social media networks, where a campaign under the hashtag "Odah permits homosexuality" was launched.
"According to Sharia law, homosexuals should be killed. How can you say homosexuality should not be punishable, Sheikh?" Fadi Matiri, a Saudi citizen commented on Twitter.
A Twitter user named "Saudi rights activist" suggested that Odah's remarks are a result of an American outcry over LGBT rights in the Saudi Kingdom.
"Five days ago a delegation of the American Congress signed a document against gays' execution in Saudi Arabia. What is your explanation?" he asked Odah.
Sixty-year-old Odah is a prominent supporter of the Saudi regime, who was "rehabilitated" in the 1990's after inciting the opposition against the regime.


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