Iraq's Sadr wants 'depraved' homosexuality eradicated

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2009

BAGHDAD (AFP) — Radical Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr has ordered the "depravity" of homosexuality be eradicated but warned against the anti-gay violence that has recently erupted, a spokesman said on Friday.

"The purpose of the meetings is to fight the depravity and to urge the community to reject this phenomenon," said Sheikh Wadea al-Atabi, referring to a Thursday seminar attended by clerics, tribal leaders and police.

"The only remedy to stop it is through preaching and guidance. There is no other way to put an end to it," he said, stressing that the movement could not resort to violence after a series of killings of gay men in Baghdad.

"Al-Sadr rejects this type of violence ... and anyone who commits violence (against gays) will not be considered as being...