Salaam BCR Community Radio and Project 29 face backlash for displaying Controversial anti-LGBT Education Signage in Bury

Tuesday, 17 October 2023 09:10

By David Murphy

Picture showing the banners installed at 52 Moorgate the registered address for Project 29 and Salaam BCR

Asian Community Radio Station in Moorgate, Bury Sparks Controversy with Anti-LGBT Education Signs

Salaam BCR and Project 29, the asian community radio organisation within Bury, have continued their anti-LGBTQ+ agenda by installing anti-LGBTQ+ education banners on the front of their premises at 52 Moorgate in Bury Town Centre.

The installation of the banners has generated widespread criticism and ignited discussions about freedom of expression, inclusivity, and diversity within the local community.

The banners which have been screwed onto both the front and rear of the Moorgate studios pictured in our article show “STOP CHILD ABUSE” “LET ME BE” STOP LGBTQ+ EDUCATION, CHILDRENS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS”.

These banners were installed following a YouTube video created and uploaded to the Salaam BCR YouTube page back in June of this year, where Salaam BCR stated that local councillors who supported the Bury Pride event by attending as elected representatives had abandoned their Muslim faith and had nullified their religion and is out of the fold of Islam.

More on this article can be found here: https://www.rochvalleyradio.com/news/local-news/salaam-bcr-radio-station-sparks-controversy-by-saying-the-councillors-are-no-longer-muslim-over-bury-pride-attendance/

Project 29 the organisation displays on their website “ Project 29 works with all sections of the community to eradicate prejudices and discrimination.”

Anwarul Haq from Salaam BCR and Project 29 replied to our right to reply with “Not our posters” accompanied by an image attachment of a Buddha showing an obscene hand gesture that some readers may find offensive.

Our local reporter replied to Anwarul asking if Project 29 and Salaam BCR were also speaking on behalf of the Buddhist Community of Bury with the attachment of this image, but has not received a further response.

Bury Council stated, “Bury Council promotes positive cohesion across our communities. Indeed, it is one of our Community Safety Priorities, and we condemn any activity that jeopardises this.

In relation to the specific query, the Council is working with Greater Manchester Police in investigating this matter, with this currently ongoing.

A spokesperson for GMP said that Officers attended and after the situation was reviewed, it was deemed that the displaying the posters did not make out a criminal offence.”

Local residents and community leaders were quick to voice their concerns and condemn the signs. Many residents expressed their disappointment and dismay, asserting that the messages did not align with the values of diversity and inclusivity that Bury holds dear.

The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities in balancing individual rights with the principles of inclusivity and respect for all.