Egypt’s highest Islamic institution, Al-Azhar, has slammed what it called “a campaign by international powers and organisations,” as well public figures in Egypt, to promote and legalise homosexuality.

In a statement released on Thursday, Al-Azhar rejected same-sex marriage, stating that marriage in Islam is only between a man and woman, and that Islam prohibits all “sinful” extramarital affairs, referring to the recent decision of the US Supreme Court to end the same-sex ban.

The Islamic institution also said it rejected all campaigns to spread or legalise homosexuality and same-sex marriage in the Muslim world. Many Social media users worldwide have declared support for same-sex marriage, launching “Rainbow avatars” and "#Lovewins” online campaigns.

The Egyptian Orthodox Coptic Church also shares Al-Azhar's opinions when it comes to same-sex marriage and relationships in general.

“Humanity already is facing a huge moral and religious crisis, as well as rebellion, which is an entry to atheism and all forms of extremism, including same-sex marriage," said Pope Tawadros II at his meeting with Orthodox Coptic churches in Alexandria earlier this week.

Renowned Egyptian actor Khaled Abul-Naga recently came under fire in the Egyptian media for showing his support for same-sex marriage on Facebook.

Several TV talk shows and newspapers attacked Abul-Naga, accusing him of spreading immorality and homosexuality in Egypt.  

Egyptian TV host Mona El-Iraqi also used Facebook to declare her support for same-sex marriage. Earlier this year, El-Iraqi aided security forces in arresting 26 men at a Cairo bathhouse who were later accused of debauchery, a legal term usually applied to homosexual activity.