The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) has strongly opposed recent preliminary measures by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to promote legal recognition of same-sex marriage tourism in the country.
In a press statement, the ACJU said that taking such steps purely for economic purposes while disregarding the religious beliefs, moral values, and cultural traditions of Sri Lanka was “unacceptable.”
“All religions affirm that human dignity and family life are founded upon the natural bond between man and woman. Undermining such moral foundations disregards family, social, and humanitarian values,” the statement read.
The ACJU further warned that such measures could lead to health crises, including the spread of AIDS, while also threatening the nation’s cultural identity and adversely affecting future generations.
“It is undeniable that human existence and the continuation of generations arise from the natural union between man and woman. Disturbing this natural balance will disrupt family life, social structures, and the very fabric of civilization,” the statement added, noting that Islam, like other religions, condemns such practices.
Emphasizing that Sri Lanka is a country blessed with rich cultural and religious traditions, the ACJU urged the government to withdraw from this course of action and instead promote tourism based on the nation’s heritage, spirituality, natural beauty, and hospitality.
Full Text of the Press Statement of ACJU regarding the promotion of same-sex tourism:
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has recently made certain preliminary arrangements to promote legal recognition for same-sex marriage tourism in our country.
Taking such measures purely to achieve economic objectives, while disregarding the religious beliefs, moral values, and cultural traditions of our nation, is unacceptable. At the same time, all religions in our country affirm that human dignity and family life are founded upon the natural bond between man and woman.
Undermining such moral foundations disregards family, social, and humanitarian values.
It must also be recognized that adopting such measures for the sake of tourism could lead to serious health crises and contribute to the spread of deadly diseases such as AIDS. Beyond economic ambition, this would pose a grave threat to human life itself, thereby destroying the very objectives of wellbeing and prosperity that are sought through economic growth. Furthermore, it will damage our cultural identity and adversely affect future generations.
It is an undeniable fact that human existence and the continuation of generations arise from the natural union between man and woman. Disturbing this natural balance will not only disrupt family life but also dismantle social structures and the very fabric of human civilization. Indeed, it is an unnatural act not found even among animals or birds created by the Almighty with five senses.
Like other religions, Islam strongly condemns such unnatural practices.
Sri Lanka is a blessed land, rich in cultural and religious traditions, and built upon family values, morality, and social harmony.
Therefore, we most respectfully urge the Government to withdraw from this harmful course of action and, instead, strengthen our nation by promoting heritage, spirituality, natural beauty, and hospitality
