Islamic schools trust ‘described LGBTQ+ people as evil’ on social media
A Muslim education trust has apologised after being accused of branding members of the LGBTQ+ community as ‘evil’.
The Abu Bakr Trust, which runs three schools in the town of Walsall, Staffordshire, allegedly made the homophobic posts on November 6 last year.
The trust is said to have posted on its Facebook page, telling followers to pray ‘for protection from evil deeds and against LGBTQ’.
It also allegedly wrote: ‘My Lord, save me and my family from what they do.’
Someone with links to the trust also allegedly shared a Facebook video of a Taliban cleric claiming he was ‘very bright’, according to research done by the Henry Jackson Society.
The Charity Commission officially raised concerns and a formal investigation was opened.
The trust has since apologised for the posts, claiming a volunteer has made them without authorisation from staff or trustees but it went on to ‘accept full responsibility’ for what it described as an ‘oversight’.
Ironically, the trust’s school for girls, which is independent but receives government grants, was praised for its tolerance of same-sex couples last March.
A report from Ofsted at the time read: ‘Pupils have a sound understanding of fundamental British values.
‘They talk knowledgeably about democracy, how laws are made and how this relates to everyday life in school. Pupils have a detailed understanding of other religions.
‘They speak confidently about the similarities and differences that exist between Islam and other religions. Pupils talk about the different types of relationships and families that exist in their local community.
‘This includes single-parent families, same-sex couples and children who are in care.’
Meanwhile Abu Bakr Boys School, in Queen Mary Street, was rated overall as ‘inadeqaute’ following an inspection last June – but it was praised for encouraging schoolchildren to ‘understand and respect differences’.
Charlotte Littlewood, who conducted the research for the Henry Jackson Society, said: ‘It’s a very worrying time for the LGBT community.
‘We seem to be making great leaps in some areas but in this particular area, we are just not making the same headway. I’m worried about the impact this has on our young people if they are being taught intolerance.
‘We are bringing children up in a multicultural society where the priority is that we are a cohesive society based on tolerance. Some schools are not teaching that – those schools will not prepare children for a successful life in the UK.
‘Parents should think hard about the kinds of environments they are placing their children in, if they want Britain to be a safe and tolerant place for all.’
The Abu Bakr Trust's full statement:
Abu Bakr Trust Charity has been operating for the past 18 years without major issues. The charity has always adhered strictly to its objectives i.e. providing sound education via schools (for children) and services for worshippers at the mosques (for all).
The current trustees were all appointed last year due to the ill health and age of the long-time trustees. The new trustees have been getting to grips with all aspects of managing the charity’s work since then.
The previous trustees had delegated some activities to volunteers as the charity has limited resources for staffing. Responsibility for social media was not created by the charity, instead community volunteers had taken the initiative to set up a Facebook page in 2011.
When the trustees became aware of this, they were told that it was only used to post monthly prayer timetables and upcoming events, etc. From its history, it can be confirmed that this platform has minimal activity.
However, after the pandemic, in lockdown periods, when physical attendance was restricted, platforms like social media were used more than before as a means of communication but the administration/control stayed with the volunteers. It appears that previously the login details had been widely shared among volunteers allowing them to post without the staff and trustee’s approvals.
‘The posts in question were made by a volunteer with login details, but no staff or trustees approved them. We deleted the posts immediately and changed the login details and have now taken control of social media policy and will only post necessary information posts as previously.
‘We accept full responsibility for the oversight due to the transition of trustees. We apologise for any upset or offence this has caused and are already working with advisers and the Charity Commission to put in place an effective policy and controls.’
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