World’s ‘first openly gay Imam’ assassinated in South Africa
Muhsin Hendricks, an Islamic cleric who made history as the world’s first openly gay imam, was tragically shot and killed in South Africa.
Hendricks, 57, founded and led a mosque in Cape Town that served as a sanctuary for marginalised Muslims, including those from the LGBTQ+ community.
His life was cut short on Saturday morning when the vehicle he was travelling in was ambushed near Gqeberha, a city in the southern part of the country.
Muhsin Hendricks’ fatal shooting occurred allegedly shortly after he officiated a lesbian wedding, although this detail remains unconfirmed.
Security footage circulating on social media provides a chilling account of the attack. A car intentionally blocked the vehicle Hendricks was in as it pulled away from the curb.
Police report that Hendricks was seated in the back seat. The CCTV footage captures the attack from one angle, revealing an assailant exiting the blocking car, rushing to the targeted vehicle, and firing multiple shots through the rear passenger window.
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“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,” police said in a statement.
The news of Hendricks’ passing has reverberated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, sparking a global wave of heartfelt tributes.
South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution broke new ground as the first in the world to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.
In 2006, the nation further cemented its progressive stance by becoming the first African country to legalize same-sex marriage.
However, despite the presence of a vibrant LGBT community, many gay individuals continue to face discrimination and violence. Compounding these challenges, South Africa grapples with one of the highest murder rates globally.
Hendricks made headlines in 1996 when he publicly came out as gay, a revelation that sent shockwaves through the broader Muslim community in Cape Town and beyond.
That same year, he founded The Inner Circle, an organisation dedicated to offering support and a safe haven for queer Muslims striving to harmonise their faith with their sexuality.
Later, he established the inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque, furthering his mission of acceptance and inclusion.
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