Republican presidential hopeful Ben Carson took a stand against the murders of gays by religious extremists in elaborating on his recent declaration that he could not support a Muslim candidate for president, or a president, by sharing what he believes about Islam.
In a Facebook post to his followers, in which he typically responds to emailed questions, Carson wrote:
"Under Islamic Law, homosexuals - men and women alike - must be killed. Women must be subservient. And people following other religions must be killed.
I know that there are many peaceful Muslims who do not adhere to these beliefs. But until these tenants are fully renounced...I cannot advocate any Muslim candidate for President....I also can't advocate supporting Hillary Clinton either by the way."
The Human Rights Campaign, while admitting being an LGBT Muslim can be challenging, addresses Carson's claim, indirectly, on its website:
"As with Christianity and Judaism, Islam's sacred texts have been used to oppress LGBT people across the centuries. A traditional reading of the Qur'an can lead to the condemnation of homosexual acts and thus of same-sex marriage. However, because there is no central governing authority, communities and individuals are free to make their own choices regarding this issue. Same-sex weddings are performed by Imams individually, and at some Unity Mosques, and similar inclusive mosque communities across the United States and Canada."
The HRC's website also mentions Islamic support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and for transgender Muslims.
In addition to his Facebook message, Mediate reported Carson went on Fox News Channel to explain his thinking, telling Sean Hannity, "we do not put people at the leadership of our country whose faith might interfere with them carrying out the duties of the Constitution," which he said applied to every faith, not just Islam.
Hannity asked Carson if he meant to say "radical Islamist" in his original comments on NBC's Meet the Press. Carson said, "That was implied."
