Progressive Muslims Respond to Transgender Attack
Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV), a non-profit American organization, has condemned the attack on a transgendered woman in Maryland.
Online, April 25, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The recent attack on a transgendered woman that occurred at a McDonald's restaurant in Baltimore, MD on Monday, April 18 is a sad symptom of the ignorance, insensitivity and the atmosphere of intolerance that is created in our society by the lack of responsiveness by our lawmakers and by the absence of consequences for those who perpetrate such deplorable acts, said Muslims for Progressive Values.
"At the core of faiths is the golden rule- do unto others as you want others to do onto you," said Ani Zonneveld, who leads the organization. "Unfortunately we human beings have a long way to living out that rule because it is easier to succumb to our dark side and discriminate than it is to take to our angelic side and reach out."
Muslims for Progressive Values, as a matter of principle, endorses the rights of the LGBTQ individuals and we support and defend those rights in our work by creating spaces that are not only inclusive but that honor the diversity of the individuals that participate, including those who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered and intersexed.
The fact that such a brutal attack on a transgendered woman occurred at all is disturbing but the fact that it occurred at a business that is recognized as being nearly synonymous with America and which, we are sure, holds corporate values that reflect the diversity and individuality of Americans is absolutely appalling.
We call on the corporate officers of McDonalds to investigate this incident and to revise their policies on customer service so that all patrons can be assured not only respect but safety while visiting their establishments.
To learn more about Muslims for Progressive Values please visit www.mpvusa.org
The local chapter, in Washington DC, can be contacted at www. meetup.com/dc-mpv-usa
CONTACT:
Ani Zonneveld (Co-Founder, Chair)
ani@mpvusa.org
323-842-2869
Fatima Thompson (Chair-DC Chapter)
thompson.fatima@gmail.com
703-901-0720