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Euronews
28-06-2025
- Health
- Euronews
Pro-LGBTQ+ yet anti-abortion: What's behind Malta's differing stances?
When Belle de Jong shared her experience of having an abortion on national TV in Malta in 2021, she became the first woman in the tiny Mediterranean island nation to do so publicly. The reaction to her interview reflected how this aspect of healthcare remains deeply divisive on the staunchly Catholic island, which has the EU's most restrictive abortion law. 'I received literally hundreds of messages from (Maltese) women saying, thank you for speaking about it, either saying they had an abortion or implying it,' she told Euronews. But de Jong, a pro-choice activist and journalist, also received a wave of messages calling her a 'baby killer', which she said mostly came from older people. '(I also received) comments like, 'If you don't want to get pregnant, don't spread your legs', or 'Why didn't you just use protection?' Which, obviously, can fail,' she added. De Jong, who is from the Netherlands but has lived in Malta since 2017, underwent a termination while visiting her home country after her contraceptive pill failed. While she said it had been the 'obvious choice' for her at the time, she stressed the barriers that remain for women in Malta due to its draconian abortion law. 'People are afraid to Google things because imagine if the government finds out, many don't know where to get the pills, for how long you can take the pills … And after a certain point you will need to travel (to have a surgical abortion), meaning you need the money for that, you need to know where to go,' she said. 'And on top of all that, you can't tell anyone. So it's extremely isolating and scary, because you're constantly afraid of being investigated,' de Jong added. Malta's contrasting positions While a shadow was cast over Pride celebrations this month in some parts of Europe, Malta continues to boast a reputation for advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Last month, it once again came first in the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association's ranking of European countries — a position it has held for a decade. In recent years, Malta has advanced LGBTQ+ rights at a breakneck pace: since 2013, it has introduced same-sex civil partnerships, equal marriage rights, adoption rights for same-sex couples, a ban on so-called conversion therapy practices, and self-ID for trans people. But this stands in sharp contrast with its near-total abortion ban: the nation of a half a million is home to the EU's most restrictive abortion law, criminalising terminations even in cases of rape and foetal anomalies. The gulf between the state of these rights appears entrenched in Malta, with experts telling Euronews there seems to be little political will to expand access to reproductive rights as the majority of the population is opposed to abortion. For Robert Attard, Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement's community outreach coordinator, the context of the nation's advance in queer rights is rooted in the movement's activism over the years and the end of a long spell of conservative governments. 'The LGBTIQ rights movement has been lobbying for equal rights since 2001 … Once the government changed, the calls for equal rights were quite successful,' he told Euronews. Underlining the way society's perceptions can at times trail legislation, Attard said Malta has progressed alongside the raft of laws enshrining rights for LGBTQ+ people. 'I believe if there had been a referendum for equal marriage in 2014, it would not have passed. But surveys show over half of the island is now in favour of equal marriage and adoption. 'Being a small island really, really works in favour of us in this aspect. Let's say, a homophobic, very Catholic (person), realises her neighbour's nice son is gay … Since the rights started rolling in, people felt more comfortable in their own identity and there was this visibility.' However, he noted that trans people on the island still face a higher degree of discrimination, while LGBTQ+ asylum seekers also face challenges. Attard's organisation is part of the pro-abortion Voice for Choice coalition, and he sees the queer and reproductive rights as connected. 'We acknowledge the idea of bodily autonomy and that our rights intersect. Also, there are LBT people who are affected by this (abortion) law as well,' he said, noting that abortion remains 'taboo' and far more controversial. 'Malta is very family oriented — acceptance for civil partnership and adoption is much bigger. Children as young as 11 are shown anti-abortion propaganda at schools,' Attard added. The centrality of the family In Attard's view, moving the dial on abortion is a much tougher sell on the Catholic majority island — a perspective shared by all whom Euronews spoke to. Prof Marceline Naudi, associate professor at the University of Malta's Department of Gender and Sexualities, also attributed the intransigence on reproductive healthcare to 'the primacy of the family' in Maltese society. 'Malta is very family-centred (and) LGBTQ+ rights, although they can be seen to challenge the 'traditional family' form, so to speak, don't really impinge. When the rights took a leap forward, it was not seen as threatening the family. 'However, abortion is very clearly seen as (doing so). The anti-choice movement says 'unborn children' are part of the family,' Naudi added. The advancement of these rights was helped by a minister who drove the policies activists had been demanding for years, Naudi told Euronews: 'Helena Dalli, who then became European Commissioner for Equality, was pivotal in this moving forward.' 'There was a stronger political will to push for that than has ever been in abortion,' Naudi added. De Jong agreed with this, adding that she believed that expanding rights like equal marriage "were not as controversial but look very good for politicians ... you like you're going forward as a country". The country's blanket abortion ban was slightly eased in 2023, after the case of a US tourist who had to be airlifted to Spain to undergo a lifesaving abortion captured headlines internationally. But while the legislation initially proposed would have relaxed the ban to allow for abortions in cases where there was a risk to the pregnant person's health, it was subsequently amended to stipulate that they must be at risk of death to access an abortion — and even then, only after three specialists' consent. Naudi considered this amendment to be 'part of this right-wing backlash', observed globally spanning the rights of women and minorities. Dr Miriam Sciberras, CEO of Life Network Foundation in Malta, a group that describes itself as promoting "pro-life values in Maltese society", rejected the idea that the country's restrictive abortion legislation and advancement of LGBTQ+ rights were at odds. "Malta is both pro-LGBT and pro-life — these views are not contradictory. Both are rooted in the belief that every human life has value and deserves dignity. Both LGBT individuals and unborn children have historically faced, and sometimes still face dehumanization," she told Euronews in a statement. "Being pro-life means extending that same care to the unborn, who are also vulnerable and voiceless. A consistent ethic of human dignity includes all of us, born and unborn, gay or straight. Abortion eliminates a human life, the life of a child, gay or straight, period." In a month that sees many European countries host Pride celebrations — Malta holds its events in September — the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) warned of a 'backsliding'. 'Across Europe, we observe worrying developments of democratic backsliding, attacks on civil society and challenges to fundamental rights, including the rights of LGBTIQ people," FRA spokesperson Nicole Romain told Euronews. 'It is essential that all EU countries stay the course and respect fundamental rights. Because how we treat the LGBTIQ community is a litmus test for the strength of our democratic societies'. More women taking abortion pills One thing is clear: abortion bans do not prevent women from ending unwanted or unviable pregnancies altogether. Prof Isabel Stabile of the University of Malta, who is a gynaecologist, told Euronews that some 600 pregnancies were terminated in Malta last year using abortion pills — a number that has risen in recent years. Stabile is a member of the non-profit Doctors for Choice, which was founded in 2019 to provide information for those who want to end a pregnancy. Healthcare professionals in Malta can give information about overseas abortion and refer patients to the Abortion Support Network without any fear of legal repercussions, their site states, noting that providing such information to patients is backed by the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Justice. 'We provide an information service through our website and have an abortion doula service,' she said. "Women can call us with questions about what's normal, shall I go to the hospital … We talk to somewhere between one and two women every day.' The risk of prosecution remains a concern for women, she said. 'For women, the legal risk is intense. If they go to the hospital, and for some reason, in some way, the fact that they had an abortion is revealed either through them or through a partner or whatever, then they are liable to a three-year prison term. "It is a serious concern, we've had women prosecuted in the past,' she said, noting it is often the island's 'most marginalised' at risk, though there have been no imprisonments in over two decades. Doctors who carry out abortions outside of Malta's restrictive law are liable to a four-year prison term as well as the loss of their medical license. Like others Euronews spoke to, Stabile said that in private, several representatives backed pro-choice positions — but were not willing to put their necks on the line politically. The government tends to ignore Doctors for Choice, Stabile said. 'The last thing it needs is women dying. It is far better to leave us alone, let us do our work, and not have a revolution on their hands. 'The abortion numbers have shot up in recent years, because it's safe, it's available. Abortion care is health care. It is also, unfortunately, illegal.' Euronews has reached out to Malta's government for comment. An emerging public conversation Three years after she went on TV to speak about her decision to end a pregnancy, de Jong led a campaign to garner Maltese support for a pro-choice European initiative. The My Voice, My Choice campaign aims to secure free access to abortion across the bloc. She succeeded in collecting the required threshold of 4,230 signatures needed for Malta, noting that most preferred to do so online rather than in person due to stigma. 'The campaign was an eye-opener — it showed there was more support than we were aware of. Most of these people would never post about their pro-choice views on Facebook," de Jong said. Still, she agreed with others that a public conversation is beginning to emerge on the island — and believed this has to grow before representatives will act. 'It's so important to change public opinion. Over the past six years or so, that discussion has, slowly but surely, started to come out,' she added.


Cision Canada
11-06-2025
- Cision Canada
Travelling with Pride: A 2SLGBTQI+ Canadian's Guide to Safe Adventures Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - As you pack your bags to join the global Pride celebrations in 2025, be sure to equip yourself with knowledge about the countries you'll visit, so that your adventures are as safe and enjoyable as possible. It's important to keep in mind that laws, cultural norms, and social customs regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) can differ dramatically from what we experience in Canada. Take some time to get to know your destination. A great place to start is the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories. Keep in mind that in some countries, same-sex relationships are illegal, or 2SLGBTQI+ people might face legal challenges tied to things like public morals or vagrancy laws. More research to understand what you might encounter during your travels is always good idea, like the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association's map of sexual orientation laws in the world which provides valuable insights into the legal landscape for 2SLGBTQI+ people worldwide. And don't forget to sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. It's a handy way to stay in touch with the Canadian government in case something unexpected happens, like civil unrest, while you're travelling. In addition to understanding the laws, it's crucial to consider your personal safety. Be aware of your online presence and how your social media accounts or dating apps might be viewed by authorities in countries where discrimination against the 2SLGBTQI+ community is widespread. Always be cautious of public displays of affection, as some regions might be hostile to such gestures. Stay informed and vigilant about local customs and avoid putting yourself at risk. For those traveling with children or considering adoption or surrogacy abroad, be aware that some countries may not recognize 2SLGBTQI+ family structures or may have discriminatory policies. Researching adoption laws and ensuring proper documentation for your children can help you avoid unnecessary complications. Most importantly, remember that consular services are available to assist you while abroad. Contact the nearest Canadian government office at your destination or the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa for consular help while you are outside Canada. Should you face any challenges, the Canadian government can offer support to help ensure your safety and rights are upheld. To learn more about how to travel safely and confidently during Pride Season 2025, visit .
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Travelling with Pride: A 2SLGBTQI+ Canadian's Guide to Safe Adventures
OTTAWA, ON, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - As you pack your bags to join the global Pride celebrations in 2025, be sure to equip yourself with knowledge about the countries you'll visit, so that your adventures are as safe and enjoyable as possible. It's important to keep in mind that laws, cultural norms, and social customs regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) can differ dramatically from what we experience in Canada. Take some time to get to know your destination. A great place to start is the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories. Keep in mind that in some countries, same-sex relationships are illegal, or 2SLGBTQI+ people might face legal challenges tied to things like public morals or vagrancy laws. More research to understand what you might encounter during your travels is always good idea, like the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association's map of sexual orientation laws in the world which provides valuable insights into the legal landscape for 2SLGBTQI+ people worldwide. And don't forget to sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. It's a handy way to stay in touch with the Canadian government in case something unexpected happens, like civil unrest, while you're travelling. In addition to understanding the laws, it's crucial to consider your personal safety. Be aware of your online presence and how your social media accounts or dating apps might be viewed by authorities in countries where discrimination against the 2SLGBTQI+ community is widespread. Always be cautious of public displays of affection, as some regions might be hostile to such gestures. Stay informed and vigilant about local customs and avoid putting yourself at risk. For those traveling with children or considering adoption or surrogacy abroad, be aware that some countries may not recognize 2SLGBTQI+ family structures or may have discriminatory policies. Researching adoption laws and ensuring proper documentation for your children can help you avoid unnecessary complications. Most importantly, remember that consular services are available to assist you while abroad. Contact the nearest Canadian government office at your destination or the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa for consular help while you are outside Canada. Should you face any challenges, the Canadian government can offer support to help ensure your safety and rights are upheld. To learn more about how to travel safely and confidently during Pride Season 2025, visit the official Government of Canada travel resources for more information and practical tips. SOURCE Global Affairs Canada View original content to download multimedia: Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
These are the top 10 European countries for LGBTQ+ rights and travel
Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock Revelers unfurl a giant Pride flag during a Pride parade in Brussels, Belgium, in 2024 ILGA-Europe has released its annual Rainbow Map for 2025, providing an analysis of LGBTQ+ rights and the climate for family in 49 European states. The group was created out of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World), the international advocacy group for the LGBTQ+ community. ILGA-Europe researchers examined 49 countries using 76 criteria, which were then broken down into seven thematic categories: Equality and non-discrimination Family Hate crime and hate speech; Legal gender recognition; Intersex bodily integrity; Civil society space; and Asylum. Each country was then given a percentage score and ranked. The results were compiled in the interactive Rainbow Map, with links to a breakdown of every country's performance plus a more comprehensive report providing detailed analyses and examples of the good and the bad for that nation's LGBTQ+ community. While there were some positive signs in many countries, others ranked among the very worst climates for the LGBTQ+ community. 'The Rainbow Map 2025 offers a stark snapshot of where Europe stands on LGBTI human rights, and highlights the pressing need to defend and advance these rights in the context of acute democratic erosion,' ILGA-Europe concluded. "If left unchallenged, these tactics risk spreading further across Europe, undermining a human rights framework that has taken decades to build. The time to push back is now, before the targeted attacks we're seeing in countries like Hungary, the U.K., and Georgia become the norm rather than the exception. Political leaders must lead by example and turn their words into action. It's time for people to stand up, make their voices heard, and hold our governments to account before it's too late.' Keep scrolling to see ILGA-Europe's top 10 countries for LGBTQ+ rights, cultural climate, and travel. You can view the ILGA Europe Rainbow Map at You can reach the entire ILGA Europe Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex People in Europe and Central Asia at Kateryna Mostova/Shutterstock Luxembourg Pride Equality March 2023 Overall score 2024: 68.41 percent (10th) Overall score 2023: 70.04 (8th) Strengths: Perfect score for Civil Society Space Weaknesses: Intersex Bodily Integrity Quote of note: 'The Ministry of Family, Integration, and the Greater Region, in cooperation with the Centre LGBTIQ+ Cigale, the Centre for Equal Treatment, the Rosa Lëtzebuerg association, developed a guide to help bridge the gap between trans people and their employers. This guide equips employers with key information to better understand trans identities and implement inclusive policies, while also offering trans people support in communicating their needs within the workplace.' RELATED: The world's top 10 queer and trans-friendly cities You can learn more about Luxembourg's performance at the ILGA Europe Rainbow Map. You can reach the entire ILGA Europe Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex People in Europe and Central Asia at Mateusz Boinski/Shutterstock Norway 2018 Tromsø Arctic Pride festival Overall score: 68.6 percent (9th) Overall score 2023: 69.53 (9th) Strengths: Perfect score for Civil Society Space Weaknesses: Intersex Bodily Integrity Quote of note: 'Zaniar Matapour was found guilty of aggravated terrorism by the Oslo District Court for his role in the mass shooting during Oslo Pride on June 25, 2022. Matapour was sentenced to 30 years in prison, the strictest penalty under Norwegian law. State prosecutor Aud Kinsarvik Gravås expressed satisfaction with the court's decision in the case.' RELATED: Seeking escape, this lesbian sailed to the Arctic Circle You can learn more about Norway's performance at the ILGA Europe Rainbow Map. You can reach the entire ILGA Europe Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex People in Europe and Central Asia at ewelina thepphaboot/Shutterstock 2019 Christopher Street Parade in Frankfurt, Germany Overall score 2024: 69.1 percent (8th) Overall score 2023: 66.13 (11th) Strengths: Perfect score for Civil Society Space Weaknesses: Intersex Bodily Integrity Quote of note: 'In October, Germany's Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann of the Free Democrats (FDP) announced new plans to reform adoption and family law. The proposed reforms aim to allow adults in unmarried partnerships to adopt a child together and permit just one adult in a marriage to legally adopt a child, addressing gaps in current laws. Currently, both married and unmarried heterosexual and same-sex couples can adopt, but married couples must both legally adopt the child, while only one adult in an unmarried partnership can do so.' RELATED: Germany makes it easier to change gender and name on legal documents You can learn more about Germany's performance at the ILGA Europe Rainbow Map. You can reach the entire ILGA Europe Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex People in Europe and Central Asia at Giannis Papanikos/Shutterstock A giant Rainbow Flag at tje `annual Gay Pride celebrations in Thessaloniki, Greece, in 2018 Overall score 2024: 69.18 percent (7th) Overall score 2023: 70.78 percent (7th) Strengths: High scores for Equality & Non-Discrimination and Civil Society Space Weaknesses: Asylum Quote of note: 'In February, Greece became the first Orthodox-majority country to legalise same-sex marriage. The bill passed with the support of 176 out of 300 MPs, also allowing same-sex couples to adopt children and granting equal parental rights to both partners. However, the bill does not include provisions for surrogacy for same-sex couples. Furthermore, while it abolishes the requirement of being unmarried to access legal gender recognition, it does not include any provision to modify a parent's name and gender on the birth certificate of their children after legal gender recognition. RELATED: Meet the gay man elected to lead Greece's leftist party in historic first You can learn more about Greece's performance at the ILGA Europe Rainbow Map. You can reach the entire ILGA Europe Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex People in Europe and Central Asia at Finn stock via Shutterstock Finland's Helsinki Pride 2019 celebration Overall score 2024: 69.85 percent (6th) Overall score 2023: 70.78 percent (6th) Strengths: Perfect score for Civil Society Space Weaknesses: Intersex Bodily Integrity Quote of note: 'In June, the Helsinki Pride march attracted an estimated 100,000 participants. This year's event was notable for the first-time involvement of the Rainbow Police of Finland, an LGBTI police association established in 2020 by current and former police officers and civilian staff.' RELATED: Google down these 25 mouthwatering artworks from Tom of Finland Fest You can learn more about Finland's performance at the ILGA Europe Rainbow Map. You can reach the entire ILGA Europe Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex People in Europe and Central Asia at OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES/Shutterstock Spain Gran Via in Madrid 2025 protest to support transgender community Overall score 2024: 77.97 percent (5th) Overall score 2023: 76.41 percent (4th) Strengths: Civil Society Space and Asylum Weaknesses: Hate Crime & Hate Speech Quote of note: 'In May, several cases of bias-motivated violence were recorded across Spain. These include the violent beating of a 14-year-old trans girl by a peer, a homophobic attack against openly gay singer Miguel Garena, and an episode of harassment faced by a health worker who received a threatening letter accompanied by a photograph of him and his partner in the crosshairs of a gun.' RELATED: Emira D'Spain makes history as Bravo's first trans cast member You can learn more about Spain's performance at the ILGA Europe Rainbow Map. You can reach the entire ILGA Europe Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex People in Europe and Central Asia at oleschwander/Shutterstock Denmark Copenhagen 2018 annual Pride Parade Overall score 2024: 80.10 percent (4th) Overall score 2023: 76.35 percent (5th) Strengths: Perfect score for Civil Society Space Weaknesses: Intersex Bodily Integrity Quote of note: 'In February, the Danish government, along with most opposition parties, reached an agreement regarding surrogacy that aims to simplify the recognition of parenthood for Danish parents utilising surrogacy, whether domestically or abroad. A corresponding bill was presented in a public hearing. Under the new framework, the requirement for second-parent adoption will be eliminated, with the primary focus being the child's benefit from the recognition.' RELATED: Former Denmark ambassador responds to VP Vance's 'not a good ally' comments You can learn more about Denmark's performance at the ILGA Europe Rainbow Map. You can reach the entire ILGA Europe Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex People in Europe and Central Asia at LIVEK/Shutterstock Iceland Reykjavik Pride parade 2024 Overall score 2024: 84.06 percent (3rd) Overall score 2023: 83.02 percent (2nd) Strengths: Perfect scores for Legal Gender Recognition and Civil Society Space Weaknesses: Intersex Bodily Integrity and Asylum Quote of note: 'On January 1st, a law banning conversion therapy for sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression took effect. The law was passed on June 9, 2023, with 53 out of parliamentarians voting in agreement.' RELATED: The land of fire and ice – Your gay guide to Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula You can learn more about Iceland's performance at the ILGA Europe Rainbow Map. You can reach the entire ILGA Europe Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex People in Europe and Central Asia at Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock Belgium Brussels 2023 pride parade Overall score 2024: 85.31 percent (2nd) Overall score 2023: 78.47 (3rd) Strengths: Perfect scores for Hate Crime & Hate Speech and Civil Society Space Weaknesses: Intersex Bodily Integrity Quote of note: 'In February, Belgium introduced a new Criminal Code that removes the distinction between discrimination based on 'racial' criteria and other grounds, including sexual orientation, in employment and goods and services. This means that discrimination against individuals based on sexual orientation is now treated with the same legal seriousness as discrimination based on race, ensuring equal protection under the law.' RELATED: 15 destinations from Lonely Planet's new LGBTQ+ travel guide You can learn more about Belgium's performance at the ILGA Europe Rainbow Map. You can reach the entire ILGA Europe Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex People in Europe and Central Asia at chmaraa/Shutterstock Malta Pride Week 2022 Overall score 2024: 88.83 percent (1st) Overall score 2023: 87.84 percent (1st) Strengths: Perfect scores for Hate Crime & Hate Speech, Legal Gender Recognition, and Civil Society Space Weaknesses: Intersex Bodily Integrity Quote of note: 'A survey conducted by the EU Agency for Human Rights revealed that 62 percent of LGBTI people in Malta feel comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation, surpassing the EU average of 51 percent.' RELATED: Malta unveiled – Your ultimate LGBTQ+ guide to the Mediterranean paradise You can learn more about Malta's performance at the ILGA Europe Rainbow Map. You can reach the entire ILGA Europe Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex People in Europe and Central Asia at


The Independent
18-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Openly gay Muslim imam killed in suspected hate crime
A prominent LGBTQ+ Muslim leader, Muhsin Hendricks, has been shot dead in South Africa. The killing has raised fears of a politically motivated assassination. Hendricks, widely regarded as the first openly gay Muslim imam, was ambushed on Saturday in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). Security footage shows a masked assailant jumping from a pickup truck and firing multiple shots through the car window where Hendricks was sitting. A driver accompanying Hendricks survived the attack. While official motives are still under investigation, political parties and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups suspect Hendricks was targeted for his progressive religious views. He founded an inclusive mosque in Cape Town specifically welcoming LGBTQ+ Muslims, challenging traditional Islamic teachings on homosexuality. South Africa's Justice Ministry has confirmed it is investigating the possibility of an assassination. Hendricks was known internationally and spoke at the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association's (ILGA) conference in South Africa in 2024. The ILGA family 'is in deep shock at the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime', said Julia Ehrt, executive director of the association. 'He supported and mentored so many people in South Africa and around the world in their journey to reconcile with their faith.' The ILGA said Hendricks had spoken of how some people were calling for the closure of his mosque and had branded it the 'gay temple'. The Democratic Alliance, South Africa's second biggest political party, said 'the nature of the killing strongly suggests a professional hit'. Hendricks said in an interview with a South African newspaper in 2022 that he felt he was the target of a series of fatwas – rulings in Islamic law – issued by South Africa's Muslim Judicial Council that year. They reminded the country's Muslims that same-sex relationships were prohibited, although the council said gay Muslims who abstain from 'same-sex actions' should be welcomed at mosques. Hendricks was the subject of a documentary film released the same year called The Radical, in which he said that there had been threats against him but 'it just didn't bother me. The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die'. The film also focused on young gay Muslims who said Hendricks provided somewhere they could pray and practise Islam while still being themselves. The Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa said in a statement Sunday that while it had consistently stated that Hendricks' position was incompatible with Islamic teachings, 'we unequivocally condemn his murder and any acts of violence targeting members of the LGBTQ community or any other community'. Hendricks grew up in a conservative Muslim family and married a woman. He ended the marriage and came out publicly as a gay imam in the mid-1990s and started a support network and later a mosque for gay Muslims. He advocated for their inclusion through his Al-Ghurbaah Foundation and referred to himself as 'the world's first openly queer imam'. 'When I was looking at the way queer Muslims were negotiating this dilemma between Islam and their sexual orientation and identity, I felt compelled to do something about it,' he said, explaining his beliefs. 'And I thought, for me to help would probably be for me to be authentic with myself and come out. I think it's possible to be queer and Muslim or queer and Christian.' In a message on its official Facebook page, the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation said Hendricks was 'a great father and a guardian of many. Continue resting with angels'.