Allister speaks out in "gay rights" debate
18 December 2008
During a debate in Strasbourg on 'gay rights', Traditional Unionist MEP spoke out about the lack of parity of esteem for those who in conscience held a conviction-led view on homosexuality. Referring to incidents in Sweden and in Belfast, he deplored the infringement of freedom of expression to which peaceful protestors were subjected.
In the course of his remarks Mr Allister said:-
"In the debate on gay rights there is total neglect of the infringement of freedom of expression of many, and in particular freedom to express religious opinion, on the subject. People of faith, accepting of teaching in the Bible on the subject of homosexuality, are vilified, nay persecuted, for daring to express their opinions of conscience and conviction. In Sweden we have seen a Pastor prosecuted for quoting the Bible. In my country a church advert, again reciting scripture, has been banned, yet at the Gay Pride march in Belfast in 2007 a placard can be carried declaring "Jesus is a fag" and no action is taken to deal with this inflammatory hate crime. Why? Because, it seems to me the rights of this cosseted group are elevated above those of all others. And that is wrong."
