In a statement issued on Tuesday, Keighley councillor Mohammed Nazam said he had also resigned from the Conservative party with “immediate effect.”
Writing on Facebook, Nazam said: “A few days ago I attended the flag raising for the LGBTQ community.
“This did not conform to my religious beliefs and hence I offered an apology to my constituents. By my apology, I did not mean any harm to any member of my constituency.
“My religion teaches respect and tolerance for all and the law of the land.”
Nazam, who had been facing an internal disciplinary investigation by the Tory party until his resignation, said Muslim representatives “are in the same position” surrounding LGBTQ events.
He added: “Here in the UK we are proud to have our freedom of expression. People should have the freedom to express their beliefs and live their lives as they wish to.
“This should apply to all communities and religious beliefs.”
Thanking those who offered support, the councillor described the controversy as a “truly humbling experience” from which he had learnt a “great deal”.
‘Personally Repented’
Nazam faced a social media backlash after describing his part in the Yorkshire town’s Pride flag-raising ceremony as “a lapse of judgement”.The Tory councillor was pictured holding the emblem with other representatives including fellow Conservative and MP for the area Robbie Moore last week.
In a statement posted to the Keighley Pakistani’s Facebook group, Nazam said he had not carried out “due diligence” for duties that he was expected to carry out as mayor—including the Pride flag-raising ceremony—and “wholeheartedly” apologised for “any harm caused.”
He said he had since “personally repented for this error,” adding: “Looking back, I realise that I should have respectfully declined the request at the time.”
His comments were condemned by LGBT activists, Keighley representatives and Tory party colleague Moore, who called for the mayor to apologise and stand down.
In a statement released on Sunday, Moore said: “I’ve seen comments made by Keighley’s Town Mayor, Cllr Mohammed Nazam, stating that he feels the need to apologise for his part in the flag raising ceremony and the need for him to ‘personally repent for his error’ because of religious beliefs.
“I disagree and reject the mayor’s comments.”
Moore added: “The mayor needs to apologise and consider his position. An employment disciplinary process will also now follow.”
LGBT Rights
Keighley Town Council confirmed Tuesday it had received Nazam’s resignation.“The town council has a long record of supporting and celebrating all sections of the amazingly diverse Keighley community,” a spokesperson said.
“The Pride flag will continue to fly proudly in the Town Hall Square for the remainder of Pride Month as planned.”
The council said it will continue “to do whatever it can to support similar groups and the wider LGBTQ community.”
After announcing his resignation, fellow Muslims rushed to congratulate Nazam on social media.
One wrote: “Respect for acknowledging your mistake and now sticking to the teachings of our deen.”
Another said: “Well done to you brother for doing the right thing. May Allah reward you and forgive the lapse of error. This proves that one cannot be part of British politics unless one is willing to compromise on beliefs.”
However, one Keighley constituent said: “Problem is LGBTQ+ rights are human rights and what you did was offend many people.
“Would you have done the same statement I'd if was for a Jewish event or for an event for disabled people?’
