Homophobic Statements from Rasim Balayev

Rasim Balayev, a film actor and national artist of Azerbaijan, and the president of the Azerbaijan Cinematographers Union, has caused controversy with his phobic remarks during the show 'Let's Speak Honestly.'

On August 20th, the actor appeared as a guest on the 'Let's Speak Honestly' YouTube channel, hosted by journalist Ismayil Jalilov. During the conversation, he addressed a question related to why he doesn't advocate for the rights of "sexual minorities," referencing an interview he had given to the BBC earlier:

"I am a Muslim, I have read the Quran, and there is no such thing in our country. In Azerbaijan, should men marry men and women marry women? What kind of question are you asking me?"

At the end of the show, Ismayil Jalilov revealed that he is gay and Balayev couldn't hide his surprise. He stated that being gay contradicts Islamic beliefs and that being gay is not considered Muslim:

"It is not mentioned in the Quran that men should marry men and women should marry women... This goes against both our religion and our reason."

During the interview, Ismayil Jalilov asked, "As a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan, should I have rights?"

In response, Rasim Balayev said, "Ask the relevant organisations, I cannot decide." Finally, he expressed his astonishment at Ismayil Jalilov being gay.

According to the Pravda.az website, Rasim Balayev responded to those who claim that he knew Ismayil Jalilov was gay when he gave the interview: "They are lying. If I had known that Ismayil Jalilov represented a sexual minority, of course, I wouldn't have given him an interview. I wouldn't talk to people like that. In general, this is unfortunate. I don't know, really. What do I need them for?"