UAE scholars and social experts have denounced the recent attempt by a group of young men to hold what seems to be a mass gay wedding.
The reaction of the authorities and these scholars was expected. It is reasonable to expect such a harsh attitude in the UAE, a Muslim country where the majority adheres to the Islamic belief that the natural relation involves man and woman.
It is part of fundamental values and norms that have been here for centuries. They are not expected to be abandoned for the sake of the ongoing modernisation process.
In fact, a key part of the UAE success as a regional model of growth and prosperity, lies in its keenness to preserve its genuine cultural identity.
Human rights groups, which criticised the arrest of the 26 men, should have known that.
While one appreciates their support for whatever they perceive as individual freedom, we feel that they also have to respect the right of the majority in this country, who saw what happened as a serious contravention of the religious and social norms.
Flouting the social code of the nation intentionally and publicly is not right.
As we welcome the transparency shown by the Abu Dhabi Police Department in handling the case, we urge human rights groups to re-examine the issue taking into account the supremacy of the country's constitution.
