US ambassador’s visit to LGBT event sparks outrage in Jordan
The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Jordan has been trying to speak up, but it looks like their efforts are not sitting well with those less sympathetic to the cause.
AMMAN, Jordan — US Ambassador to Jordan Alice G. Wells' recent attendance at an LGBT event has sparked outrage here. About 40 people gathered in central Amman to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Organized by My Kali Magazine and LGBT activists, participants got together to raise awareness of the social and economic challenges facing the LGBT community, and some Western diplomats joined them.
Wells’ attendance provoked a harsh response from Jordanians when the mid-May event became public several days later. The Islamic Action Front, the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, issued a statement condemning the session. “We in the Islamic Action Front emphasize that such meetings are a form of corruption and deviation,” it said. “These meetings threaten the security and stability of the country, spreading the taboo and immorality in this conservative society and are also contrary to the constitution.”
