"Modern multicultural twist" on EastEnders

This ought to be interesting. Not the show, of course, but the reaction in the British Muslim "community." Grauniad: "EastEnders: Muslim character to have gay love affair." Subhead: "Muslim property developer to share on-screen kiss with gay caterer in 'traditional love affair with a modern multicultural twist'":

EastEnders is to tackle one of the last taboos left in soap, with a storyline featuring a Muslim character embarking on a gay love affair. . . .

The BBC1 soap's production team researched the plot, which is bound to prove controversial with some viewers, contacting academics, gay Muslim support groups and members of the Muslim Council of Great Britain.

In the storyline, the 24-year-old Masood, played by Marc Elliott, finds his "religion and sexual feelings in conflict". . . .

Diederick Santer, the EastEnders executive producer, said: "We've always tried to make EastEnders reflect modern life in multicultural Britain and we've always told social issue stories relevant to our diverse audience. . . .

"This is not a story about Syed and Christian's physical relationship – we don't see anything beyond one kiss. It's more about the inner turmoil and conflict Syed endures trying to remain true to his faith while questioning his sexuality. . . .

A Gallup survey earlier this month found that British Muslims hold more conservative opinions towards homosexuality than European counterparts, with none of the 500 people questioned believing that homosexual acts were morally acceptable.

That's more conservative, all right. Read whole thing.

(via Biased BBC)