"Too many are too polite to say this. But mass ritual prayer in public places is an act of domination. Perform these rituals in mosques if you wish. But they are not welcome in our public places and shared institutions. Last night was not like a televised football match or a St Patrick's Day celebration. It was an act of domination and therefore division."
"The gathering was part of a series of 'open iftar' events organised by charity Ramadan Tent Project - referring to the meal shared at the end of a day of fasting, which is commonly accompanied by prayers before or during."
"Khan hit back in a newspaper interview, saying that Trafalgar Square had hosted public events for Christians, Hindus and Sikhs, questioning what made the Ramadan event objectionable compared to other religious and cultural celebrations in the same public space."
A Ramadan event held in Trafalgar Square featuring public prayers sparked controversy when shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy criticized the gathering as an 'act of domination,' arguing that mass ritual prayers should not occur in public spaces. Timothy posted footage of attendees including London mayor Sadiq Khan praying together, claiming such rituals belong in mosques, not shared public institutions. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch supported Timothy's position, stating she disapproved of what she witnessed. Labour condemned the remarks as 'abhorrent' and called for Timothy's removal from his frontbench role. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also criticized the event. Khan responded by noting Trafalgar Square regularly hosts public events for various religious and cultural communities.
Read at www.bbc.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]