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Fact check: In the uk muslim population do polls show they have problomatic views on sexuality, feminism etc.

Checked on July 30, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, there is limited but significant polling data that suggests some concerning trends regarding views on sexuality and gender roles among UK Muslims, though the picture is complex and nuanced.

The most direct evidence comes from polling data showing that 52% of British Muslims believe homosexuality should not be legal, which contrasts sharply with general UK population views [1]. Additionally, polling indicates that many British Muslims believe a woman should always obey her husband, representing views that diverge significantly from mainstream British attitudes on gender equality [1].

However, the data also reveals internal diversity within the Muslim community. There are active LGBTQ+ Muslim organizations like Imaan LGBTQI+, which has been supporting queer Muslims for over 20 years and organized the first Muslim Pride event in the UK [2]. Multiple queer British Muslims have spoken out against anti-LGBTQ+ protests by some Muslim parents, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and acceptance [3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial contextual elements:

  • Community diversity: The Muslim community is not monolithic, with diverse opinions on LGBTQ+ issues existing within it [4]. There are organized groups of LGBTQ+ Muslims actively challenging assumptions that Islam is inherently queer-phobic [2].
  • Political representation gap: There's a notable discrepancy between the social views of elected Muslim politicians and the general Muslim population, possibly because socially liberal parties are unlikely to select candidates with strong anti-LGBTQ+ views [4].
  • Women's agency: Regarding feminism, many Muslim women report feeling empowered by wearing the hijab and do not feel pressured into doing so, contrary to widespread British assumptions [5] [6].
  • Broader concerns: British Muslims show concern about serious issues like grooming gangs, with the majority wanting more support for victims, indicating engagement with protecting vulnerable populations [7].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains several problematic framings:

  • Overgeneralization: The question assumes uniform "problematic views" across the entire UK Muslim population, ignoring the documented diversity of opinions within the community [2] [3] [4].
  • Loaded terminology: Using "problematic views" without defining what constitutes "problematic" introduces subjective bias and assumes a particular moral framework.
  • Missing intersectionality: The question fails to acknowledge the existence of queer Muslims who are actively working to increase visibility and acceptance within their communities [2] [3].
  • Selective focus: While some polling data does show concerning attitudes on sexuality, the question ignores evidence of Muslim women's agency and empowerment in their religious practices [5] [6] [8].

The framing risks perpetuating stereotypes while overlooking the complex reality of a diverse religious community with varying viewpoints and active internal debates about these issues.

Want to dive deeper?
What percentage of UK Muslims support LGBTQ+ rights according to recent polls?
How do British Muslim views on feminism compare to those of the general UK population?
What are the main factors influencing Muslim attitudes towards sexuality and feminism in the UK?
Do UK Muslim organizations actively promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity and women's rights?
How have UK Muslim leaders responded to criticisms of their community's views on sexuality and feminism?