Gay kiss at Atheist Convention
The Global Atheist Convention in Melbourne on the weekend attracted some 5,000 attendees to see speakers including Richard Dawkins, A.C. Grayling, Lawrence Krauss, Geoffrey Robertson and Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
On Saturday, star attraction Richard Dawkins, speaking on the merits of religion, said Islam was “more evil” than Christianity in terms of its moral code.
Self-described “infidel” Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who spoke before Dawkins on the rights of Muslim women, said Saudi Arabian women were protected from harm in the afterlife, "because it was impossible to go to hell twice”.
Fiona Patten from the Australian Sex Party, which champions the rights of queer Australians, spoke on a panel about the dangers of allowing religion to interfere with politics.
Earlier, Patten called for the religious affiliations of politicians to be a matter of public record.
“We need a religious register for state and federal MPs so that all Australians can see where politicians are coming from when they vote or debate moral legislation,” Patten said.
A small group of Christian protesters gathered in an area outside the Convention Centre, and although there were exchanges of opinion, there were no violent conflicts.
Gay rights advocate Gregory Storer, along with his partner, took the opportunity to kiss in front of a group of Muslims who had also gathered to protest the conference.
“My partner Michael and I took advantage of the moment to kiss in front of the group,” Storer said in a statement.
“We understand that in some Islamic States gay people are persecuted and executed for their sexuality. It was an ideal opportunity to challenge the notion of acceptance and tolerance. As we began kissing, the Muslims began chanting, 'Burn in hell'.”
IMAGE: Greg Storer and his partner Michael kiss in front of Muslim protesters at the Global Atheist Convention in Melbourne on the weekend. Photo: Pete Darwin
Comments (8)
Hi all.... great job!! this was a fab article to read and put a very wide smile on my face!! although i'm not gay i am all for 'live and let live'... while some of the worlds population obviously wants us all to be clones!! this intolerant and sometimes extremely violent and over-dominating religious group must be forced out of all non muslim countries, as their duty is to convert or eradicate anything on this earth that isn't islamic... and that is done by over populating themselves and then attack peacefully/violently whatever it takes is what they say - why do you think they have 8 wives and 70 kids to every man... its not out of love is it chaps!!!! and then when the population numbers grow into the dominant force, they rule, simples!!!!! and then u try and fight against it - don't leave it too late folks, take care all xx huggies and kisses with tongues LOL
This was a great moment in the conference, we can use our intellects and our bodies to fight against intolerant advocates of damnation and death.
"Burn in hell"? So intolerant. Why do we let these people immigrate here and make it less safe for ourselves? Immigration restrictions should include tests for homophobia.
Daniel, how is that offensive? I thought atheists don't believe in Hell.
Islam has no place in any civilised society. Atheists antagonise followers of Islam just by existing - as does any non-muslim, gay person. Or woman.
Islam must not be allowed to dictate our behaviour.
Correct. islam has no place in Australia. Or any western nation for that matter.
There is no place for Islam in today's world. Until it modernises, revolutionises and bring it self into the 21st century.
But be warned. Don't antagonise Muslims, otherwise we will be a target for their extremism.
Hey!
So this kiss was after I grabbed my friend Ally and kissed her in front of them. Apparently one of them had a wide grin on his face, I'm hoping to find a photo of it?! Any help!?
Islam has no place in Australia. Those protesting should be lucky they can do that here, coz they'd be shot in other islamic countries...