A conference by anti-gay Islamic preachers went ahead at a London hotel last weekend, despite protests from human rights campaigners.
And today, the managing director of the Ibis chain defended the decision.
The event, by the Islamic Education and Research Academy, was held in Earls Court on Sunday.
Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director UK and Ireland of Ibis, told PinkPaper.com: “It is important to emphasise that as a matter of course, the hotel has strict procedures in place for all event bookings.
“In the case of yesterday’s Islamic Education & Research Academy conference the hotel’s management and security sought the advice and guidance of the Metropolitan Police Service; and regular dialogue continued throughout the day.
“We do not condone or endorse any of the attitudes that have been alleged; the hotel rejects all forms of discrimination and we are wholly committed to supporting cultural diversity.”
But activists are not convinced. Brett Lock of OutRage! said: “This is not the first time Ibis Hotels have hosted such extremist events. It is quite shocking. I doubt they would host racist and anti-Semitic conferences.”
The iERA has featured Muslim fundamentalist preachers who advocate the criminalisation of homosexuality and even the death penalty for same-sex acts. They argue that it is necessary to execute gays to keep society pure.
They defend these extreme teachings about homosexuality as a model that should be followed by contemporary societies.
The headline speakers at Sunday’s conference were associates of the hate preachers Dr Zakir Naik and Bilal Phillips. Both banned from entering Britain by the Home Secretary, Theresa May, last year.