Controversial Connections in Mayoral Campaign
Zoran Mamdani, a young mayoral candidate, has found himself in hot water due to his association with Siraj Wahhaj, a Brooklyn imam known for his homophobic remarks. It’s a bit surprising, really, that Mamdani would choose to spend time with someone who has such extreme beliefs.
Wahhaj, who is 75 years old, has a reputation for using harsh language to intimidate the LGBT community. He has famously urged them to convert to Islam and has made threats against homosexuals. In a particularly shocking sermon from 2017, he referred to homosexuality as “a disease” and told his followers to “protect themselves from homosexuals.”
Interestingly, despite Wahhaj’s violent rhetoric, Mamdani recently posted a picture of them together, both smiling. In his sermon, Wahhaj made a bold statement about how, regardless of legal acceptance in the U.S. or Canada, homosexuality would never be acceptable in Islam. He even referenced punishment for same-sex relationships, quoting a saying of the Prophet Muhammad.
While Wahhaj did caution against outright violence, he suggested it was acceptable to scare LGBT individuals into switching to Islam. His comments included advice to “make them uncomfortable” as a way to recruit them into the faith, which many might find troubling.
Mamdani praised Wahhaj as a significant figure in the Bed-Stuy community in a post on social media, but didn’t address Wahhaj’s negative comments regarding the LGBT community. This raises questions, especially considering Mamdani has claimed to be a supporter of LGBTQ rights.
This isn’t the first instance of Mamdani mingling with someone known for anti-LGBT views. After winning the Democratic primary, he was seen with Uganda’s deputy prime minister, Rebecca Kadaga, known for advocating severe anti-gay laws in her country. Kadaga had previously described her harsh legislation as a “Christmas gift” to Ugandan citizens and had helped draft legislation that could impose life sentences on same-sex couples.
Mamdani’s supporters insist he had no idea of Kadaga’s extreme views when they met unexpectedly and took a photo together at the airport. They assert that Mamdani is committed to human rights for all, including the LGBTQ+ community, and that he has plans to protect these rights in New York City.
However, his main opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, expressed skepticism about Mamdani’s intentions following these controversial connections. Cuomo told a local newspaper, “You should believe people when they talk. And Mr. Zoran, I want you to wipe that smile off your face.”
Wahhaj has not commented on the situation, leaving many to wonder about the implications of these associations in Mamdani’s campaign.
