Western U removes LGBTQ social media post after backlash
Western university has removed an image posted online after backlash that generated some controversy.
The school says the post was meant to support the LGBTQ community and has acknowledged that part of the image was upsetting for some members of the Muslim community.
The image showd two women wearing hijabs, kissing.
The post was made to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and shows two women in hijabs about to kiss.
Many commented on the image saying it was “inappropriate” and that the illustration being portrayed was “disrespectful to the Muslim community.”
Opiyo Oloya, the associate vice president for equity diversity and inclusion at Western issued a statement, “Our intent with the post was to demonstrate Western’s unwavering support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.”
“We are fully committed to continuing to advocate for and acknowledge the voices of those within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We also understand the image was upsetting for some members of the Muslim community,” said Oloya.
“Our concern is that we were not consulted about this,” said Aarig Anwer, an Iman at the London Mosque told CTV News. “Now the conversation is about how do we move forward and make this an opportunity.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.