Social media commentator Liz Benichou said she does not object to criticism that she is Islamophobic, arguing that her views stem from what she believes are historical examples of countries that changed dramatically after adopting Islamic forms of governance.
In a video posted online, Benichou compared photographs and descriptions of several countries across different periods, saying the changes she sees have influenced her opinions about Islam and Sharia law.
"People constantly comment on my posts saying you're so Islamophobic. Yes, I am because this scares me. This actually terrifies me."
Benichou began by referencing Iran, contrasting images from the 1970s with the country's present-day appearance.
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"This was Iran in the 1970s before Islam took over. This is Iran now."
She then pointed to Afghanistan as another example.
"Want to do another one? This was Afghanistan before Islam took over. This is Afghanistan now."
Benichou also referenced Lebanon, Europe and Michigan, arguing that she believes each has experienced cultural changes she attributes to the influence of Islam.
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"Lebanon then now Europe then now Michigan then now yes this actually does terrify me."
According to Benichou, she believes increasing acceptance of Islamic customs could ultimately result in broader societal changes in Western countries.
"And if it doesn't terrify you and you want to be so accepting one day you're gonna end up in a fricking hijab covered from head to toe because you just had to be tolerant. You had to be accepting."
She said she rejects calls to embrace practices that she believes conflict with women's rights.
"I'm sorry. I absolutely refuse to be accepting of this."
Much of Benichou's remarks focused on the status of women under the systems she described. She questioned whether practices such as wearing hijabs and burkas should be viewed as consistent with feminism.
"For all those of you who claim to be so passionate about women's rights and feminism. How the hell is this feminist? How the hell is this good for women? This is pure evil."
She also questioned why young girls are sometimes seen wearing burkas.
"Why are there little children who are covered in burkas? Why? Because it's supposed to be right, so the men don't get tempted."
Benichou sharply criticized men who, she said, are attracted to children.
"Pedophiles, perverts-that's what these men are. If they're getting tempted by little children."
She then referred to child marriage, arguing that religious rules permitting marriage at a young age are unacceptable.
"And you know they're pedophiles and perverts because they're allowed in their religion to marry girls as young as nine years old."
Throughout the video, Benichou maintained that her opinions are rooted in fear of what she believes are the long-term consequences of Islamic governance rather than concern about being criticized for expressing them.
She concluded by reiterating that she accepts the label often applied to her by critics because she believes the developments she described pose a serious threat.
"So yeah, call me Islamophobic. I am. This terrifies me."
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