The 57-year-old cleric ran a mosque in Cape Town that was intended to be a safe haven for gays and other marginalized Muslims. He was killed Saturday morning.
Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam , has been shot dead in South Africa. The 57-year-old cleric ran a mosque in Cape Town that has become a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized Muslims. He was killed Saturday morning after his car was attacked near the southern town of Gqeberha.
"Two unknown masked individuals exited the vehicle and began firing multiple shots at the vehicle," police said in a statement. According to some sources - yet to be confirmed - the religious leader was killed after celebrating a lesbian wedding, while details of the attack emerged through security camera footage in the area. News of Hendricks' death shocked the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of tributes from around the world.
The request to investigate thoroughly
Ilga - the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association - said it was shocked to hear of Hendricks' death and is calling on authorities to investigate to shed light on what happened: "The Ilga World family is deeply shocked by the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks - reads a statement on Facebook - and calls on authorities to fully investigate what we fear may be a hate crime," said Julia Ehrt, executive director of Ilga World. "He supported so many people in South Africa and around the world in their journey of reconciliation with their faith, and his life was a testament to the healing that solidarity between communities can bring to everyone's life. Our condolences go out to all those who were touched by his presence over the years."
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