Ken in row over anti-gay link

Ken Livingstone was facing a fresh row today after it emerged he sent a message of thanks to a Muslim group that advocates the death penalty for homosexuals.

The Mayor came under fire from gay rights activists for his links to the StraightWay Foundation, a body that describes homosexuality as a "crime against nature" .

The group's website quotes the Koran as saying homosexual acts are sinful, and suggests such punishments as throwing offenders from tall buildings, burning them at the stake and whipping them 100 times. The row erupted when it emerged that StraightWay Foundation chief Mujahid Mustaqim had written to the Mayor praising his support for controversial Islamic cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi.

The statement sent to the Mayor declared its belief that " homosexual relationships go against the natural order". It describes homosexuality as "an affliction".

In reply, Mr Livingstone wrote: "Thank you for your email and your kind comments. Your support is very much appreciated." But other members of the London Assembly wrote to the group expressing anger at its stance on homosexuality.

And Brett Lock of gay group Out-Rage! said: "It is astonishing that the Mayor has expressed thanks to an organisation that holds such repugnant homophobic views."

A mayoral spokesperson said Mr Livingstone had repeatedly pointed out that he disagreed with any homophobic statements, adding: "The Mayor obviously does not agree with the policy of this organisation. They simply received a standard response."