Controversy Surrounds GB News Presenter Bushra Sheikh’s Voicing of Islamic Perspective on Homosexuality

• TV commentator Bushra Sheikh made comments about Islam’s view on homosexuality, sparking criticism from individuals like transgender broadcaster India Willoughby.
• Sheikh’s stance is rooted in teachings from Abrahamic religions, highlighting the paradox of freedom of expression in the West when facing diverse opinions.

Former Apprentice star and TV commentator Bushra Sheikh, who has appeared on shows such as Jeremy Vine, Good Morning Britain, and GB News. Recently, made the following comment on her X account:

‘I’m Muslim and Islam does not condone the (act of) homosexuality. It is seen as unnatural and immoral. Other religions hold similar views. It is viewed as a misdirected attraction which requires reconfiguration from the initial feeling (in the mind).’

Transgender broadcaster and journalist India Willoughby was among the individuals expressing strong criticism of Sheikh’s statements and appealed to broadcasters to reevaluate their decision in inviting Shaikh as a guest on their programs. On X (formally known as Twitter) she wrote:

Shaikh has been berated by fellow GB News presenter Albie Amankona, who identifies as homosexual. The two presenters have engaged in a series of exchanges through the social media platform. Evidently, Bushra has conveyed her receptiveness and eagerness to engage in a substantive discourse with Amankona pertaining to the aforementioned subject matter:

Sheikh has refrained from fomenting animosity or advocating aggression towards any specific community. Instead, she has elucidated a stance rooted in the teachings of the three Abrahamic religions. Moreover, found within the scriptures of Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

In the liberal Western world, individuals can freely insult and mock the prophet of Islam (saw), former Prime Ministers can ridicule Muslim women, likening them to letter boxes, without any ramifications, and the revered Qur’an can be desecrated, upsetting millions of Muslims. However, the citing of rulings within scriptures’ decreed in a non-hostile and non-violent manner, is met with an outcry of objection.

Interestingly, Allah says in the Qur’an:

“For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.”

(Chapter 109, verse 6)

This verse emphasises the importance of respecting and recognising the differences in religious beliefs and ideologies while maintaining peaceful coexistence in Islam. It also highlights that there is no compulsion in the religion of Islam. Consequently, Muslims are instructed not to impose their beliefs on others.

In accordance with the provisions delineated within the United Kingdom’s Equality Act of 2010, a compendium of protected characteristics comes to the fore, namely: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. The exposition of the protected characteristic of religion is clarified: ‘You also have the right to put your thoughts and beliefs into action. This could include your right to wear religious clothing, the right to talk about your beliefs or take part in religious worship.’ However, it becomes evident that specific protected characteristics hold a higher degree of significance in society today compared to others. Moreover, the prominence accorded to the right to religious expression appears to have diminished in contemporary times.

It is striking to many how the liberal West claims freedom of expression for matters of pronounced inclination, yet becomes apprehensive when faced with a respectfully presented differing opinion.