Imam Muhsin Hendricks, an imam who had performed same-sex marriages in South Africa, according to Breitbart, was fatally attacked on Saturday near Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth. Authorities say unknown assailants in a pickup truck blocked his vehicle before two masked individuals opened fire.
According to the BBC, local police said, “Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle.”
The Muslim Judicial Council condemned the killing, stating, “While police are still investigating the motive, speculation suggests it may be linked to Hendricks’ views on same-sex relationships.” The organization emphasized that “the sanctity of human life is a fundamental tenet of Islam” and denounced violence against any community.
Executive director at the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association Julia Ehrt is calling on authorities to investigate "what we fear may be a hate crime."
"He supported and mentored so many people in South Africa and around the world in their journey to reconcile with their faith, and his life has been a testament to the healing that solidarity across communities can bring in everyone's lives," she said.
Hendricks, 57, led a mosque in Cape Town that served as a space for LGBT Muslims. His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the global LGBTQ+ community and human rights organizations.
Islamic fundamentalists have historically rejected homosexuality, and in some countries, LGBT individuals face severe persecution, including execution. Hendricks came out as gay in 1996. South African authorities continue to investigate the attack.
