• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

He has and it is there in my question. Many gay people would obviously not be relaxed about that, as you appear to be. Before deciding to share a press conference and provide a platform to Dr al-Qaradawi, did you consider the impact that this might have on different communities?

• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

I have read your report. That statement by Dr al-Qaradawi that appears in my question, which justifies the death sentence for homosexuals, is still on Dr al-Qaradawi's Islam Online website in his name. Do you accept that statement has caused deep offence to many people in London, particularly the lesbian and gay community?

• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

You did not consider the impact on other groups in London?

• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

Other gay Muslims have made it clear they condemn the visit and al-Qaradawi. Was there no equalities impact assessment before you took the policy decision to invite al-Qaradawi?

• Question by: Murad Qureshi
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

I am sure you agree that Islam is no more homophobic than the other great faiths in the world. I would like to quote some recent comments by some of the respected leaders of those faith communities in London. The Chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks, recently said that `in Judaism homosexuality is forbidden'. Parkash Sharma, the President of the National Council of Hindu Temples, said that `homosexuality was an unnatural state'. Inderjit Singh, the Director of the Network of Sikh Organisations has said that `homosexual relationships were not a valid alternative to marriage'. Brian Coleman (Chair): Mr Qureshi, the Mayor...

• Question by: Damian Hockney
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

Surely the idea that gay organisations can be Islamophobic is just because they are concerned about the open expressions. You mentioned Darren's (Johnson) question here, and quite rightly you highlight the question mark after Dr al-Qaradawi's point but there were earlier points. Murad (Qureshi) does make a very good point there with the other religions, but earlier there are far stronger points when he says, `This perverted act is a reversal of natural order, a corruption of man's sexuality, and a crime against the rights of females.' The worry I have about all that is that it is a flavour...

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

What is your reaction to the reported quotes on the BBC website and in The Times from Dr al-Qaradawi about the victims of the tsunami as being basically Allah's revenge on people that believe in sex tourism and act in that manner?

• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

I am happy to denounce homophobia where I see it and, quite clearly, there were some outrageous statements being made by Dr al-Qaradawi. How will you repair the damage that has been done in terms of your relations with the lesbian and gay community in London?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

Ramesh Kallidai, the General Secretary of the Hindu Council of Britain?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

I cannot believe you have never met him.