Tragic Death of Moegsien Hendricks, the World's First Openly Gay Imam

Tragic Death of Moegsien Hendricks, the World's First Openly Gay Imam

Moegsien Hendricks, recognized as the world's first openly gay imam, has been tragically shot dead in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. 

The incident occurred near Gqeberha on February 15, 2025, while he was reportedly officiating a wedding for a lesbian couple in Bethelsdorp.

According to community member Rif'at Brower, local imams refused to conduct the marriage ceremony for the couple, leading them to seek Hendricks' services.

 Brower claimed that the couple faced significant opposition from the community, with Sheikh Mukhtar of Port Elizabeth stating that no local imam would officiate the wedding