A GAY Muslim Imam will be the latest guest of honour at a faith group.

Imam Daayiee Abdullah will speak on Islam, Gender and Sexuality for Meco, the Muslim Education Centre of Oxford.

The visit by the US activist comes after the group asked a woman, Prof Amina Wadud, to conduct its Friday prayers. It was the first time a woman had led a mixed congregation in the UK.

Meco attracted further criticism from conservative Muslims for supporting moves on the continent to ban the Burka.

Homosexuality is forbidden in the Quran, the Islamic holy book.

But Meco chairman Dr Taj Hargey said:“Meco has proudly provided a platform for speakers and lecturers from across the entire social spectrum of Islam to facilitate and pioneer open debate and frank discussions within the British Muslim community.

“Imam Daayiee Abdullah is an African-American convert to Islam who is a leading advocate for gender equity and sexual tolerance within the Muslim community.

“Muslims from all over the country have contacted us to reserve places for the forum.”

He added: “While Islam, in common with Judaism and Christianity, does not approve of homosexuality and other same sex relations, it is nevertheless vital that integrated Muslims engage with all backgrounds and beliefs, as well as different concepts of sexuality, if they wish to be part of a vibrant and dynamic multicultural society.”

But Fazal Hussain, chairman of the Central Oxford Mosque in Manzil Way and Bath Street Mosque, said: “People giving lectures on sexuality is not a bad thing, we should all talk and learn about what makes people different from each other.

“There is no issue with that. But it is wrong when people try and attach religion to things like sexuality.

“I think Dr Hargey does try to link everything with religion, and that causes rifts and conflicts.”

Imam Abdullah, 56, was born into a Baptist family and came out at the age of 15.

He said: “I hope to get a few laughs, and a number of heads nodding in agreement with the stories I share.”

The lecture is free to all and will be followed by a Q&A session. It is at 4pm on Sunday, at the North Oxford Association, Diamond Place, Summertown, Oxford.