Does the preacher Kazem Al-Jabri advocate for homosexuality in one of his lectures?
A video clip circulated on social media, accompanied by a text stating, "Calling for homosexuality and gendering society through the platform of Hussein, peace be upon him. When will these weaklings disappear from our society?"
Clarification
The attached claim is inaccurate, as the preacher (Kazem Al-Jabri) was not discussing homosexuality as claimed. Instead, he used an "example" during his religious lecture titled (Altruism) to explain the phrase "immortal youths" mentioned in verse 19 of Surah Al-Insān:, which reads: "There will circulate among them young boys made eternal. When you see them, you would think them [as beautiful as] scattered pearls." This took place on July 14, 2024, corresponding to the 7th of Muharram.
It is worth noting that the Iraqi parliament had voted on May 27, 2024, on a law criminalizing homosexuality and its promotion, with penalties including imprisonment for up to 15 years. The law also bans any organization that promotes "sexual deviance" and penalizes promoters with imprisonment for no less than 7 years.
Kazem Ibrahim Sultan Al-Jabri
A Shiite religious preacher and president of Shahid Cultural Foundation, he also held the position of leader of the Ashura Brigades, affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces.