Glasgow University faces criticism for banning Muslim comedians tour

Glasgow, Nov. 14: A move by the Glasgow Caledonian University to ban Muslim comedians has been criticised as "ridiculous and undemocratic".

According to The Scotsman, the university has backed out of hosting “Allah Made Me Funny: The Official Muslim Comedy Tour” this month after complaints from its Muslim students' association.

The university authorities told Oceanic, the organisers of the tour, that the society felt the act was derogatory to the religion.

Preacher Moss and Azhar Usman will still perform the show at Dundee University on November 27 with the full backing of its Islamic Society.

Fozia Ali, the campaign executive with Oceanic, said she and the comics were disappointed with Glasgow Caledonian University's decision.

"We are shocked that the fear of a possible student backlash from select students opposed to the event has resulted in losing the venue. It seems somewhat ridiculous in a democratic society, in the era of freedom of speech, that the objections of a few cause an educational institution such as Caledonian University to walk away from a contractual agreement, " she was quoted, as saying.

A spokeswoman for Glasgow Caledonian University said: "The university's responsibility is to listen to and respect the views of all students on campus.

"When the Muslim Students' Association expressed reservations about the show, it was decided the booking would not go ahead. "

Moss, an American comic and founder of Allah Made Me Funny, said he found the situation sad and criticised the society for not entering into dialogue.

Abdallah El-Awaisi, the president of the Dundee University Islamic Society, had no concerns about the event.

He said: "It is one of the best shows I have seen in a long time and there is nothing in it that I have heard or seen that is offensive to the religion. It is comedy from an Islamic perspective that is not just for Muslims, but for everyone, and that's why we are showing it as part of our Islam awareness week at the university. ”

Dates at Glasgow Royal Concert Halls on November 26 and at Napier University in Edinburgh on November 28 are also expected to go ahead. (ANI)