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| The LGBT community of Oldham must be having a great time! |
The English Defence League
claims to welcome all, be they black, white, Muslim or even LGBT.
Openly making such promises as this can get you in a spot of trouble if
you then attack those members who join your group - especially if you're a far-right, fascist organsation - silly kids! It was
discovered the EDL have taken things a step too far, but is this all just a tragic coincidence or an innate trait of narrow-minded skinhead bigots? I bet the second.
I took to the internet in search of some exposure, unaware of what results I would find. Through a simple Google search, I soon came across an article posted on the original EDL members' forums: the tale of a gay EDL member. The post was made by a member going by the name of "slodger" who'd been attacked in an unprovoked situation by fellow hoody-wearing EDL members - perhaps it wasn't such a great idea to print in bold which "division" they belonged to on the front and back. He continues further describing the situation: "the one in the hoodie literally turned his back on me, another of the group told me to "F**k off"". Later, as he nears his car after the verbal abuse, he is finally confronted and brutally attacked: "...I was grabbed from behind by one bloke and the one in the hoodie started punching me". Desperately trying to get into his car, the EDL member continued to "rip bits off my car and kick at the panels like a madman." Finally, while driving away from the scene to escape the clearly-fuelled attack, he recalls "blood pouring out of 2 bad cuts" which he took to the face and his struggle to search for a policeman. The post ends on a reflective note which, after reading this tale of thuggery and violence, makes you question the EDL's stance on gay members: "Everybody I have dealt with since from the police, A+E, gay support group, and my friends think I was mad to think the EDL in reality would support gay rights. I am begining to think they all might be right."
On the 19th June 2010, thousands took to the streets to march against the racism and fascism in London's East End. The march was organised by several groups including Unite Against Fascism, the Socialist Workers' Party and numerous independent attenders showing their support. The crowd consisted of a blend of nationalities, ethnic groups and spoken tongues highlighting the unique cultural diversity which Britain has to offer. However, the sunshine and daises were soon spoiled as Jeannie, an LGBT activist from Bethnal Green said: "When I saw a rainbow flag on a EDL demo it made me feel sick. These are the same people who beat us up on the street and attack our rights and those of ethnic minorities. They do not represent the gay community. We should remember that the gay movement started at Stonewall – a riot. The gay community should be proud to fight against racism." A truly remarkable quote against a truly remarkable gesture - this flag was spotted only a few months before the above attack.
Another worrying incident comes from Hackney, North London, where the EDL used covert methods by creating posters quoting the Holy Qur'an in an attempt to stir up tensions towards the Muslim community. The LGBT community openly claimed it was the work of the EDL and evidence to prove such acts. Jack Gilbert, chair of the Rainbow Hamlets Community Forum, said: “We have evidence that [the posters] were very likely to have been produced by far-right sources in order to foment community tension.” The poster, as you can see below, entitles "gay-free zone" with a rainbow flag crossed out. Below there is a quote from the Holy Qur'an, saying: "And fear Allah; verily Allah is severe in punishment [EMQ 59:7]."
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| Covert deceit by the EDL in Hackney |
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I'm certainly no rocket scientist (yet), but I don't need to tell you the EDL's stance on gay members. Discrimination lies at the foundations of its structure along with violence and hatred. However, a great opposition stands against the English Defence League wherever they go, and solidarity of people will defeat any white nationalist movement.
Fuck every single one of you EDL bigots! Your hoodies are pretty decent though.
