Calls for apology after 'offensive' Pride placard

Published Tuesday, 02 August 2011

North Antrim MLA Jim Allister has hit out at organisers of the Gay Pride parade, following a display of what he described as a "highly offensive placard".

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Thousands turned out for the parade through Belfast's city centre on Saturday, which is the biggest of its kind in Ireland.

Onlookers were treated to a brightly coloured carnival-themed parade as organisers try to make it a day for families, but Jim Allister said Christian protestors were met with a "torrent of abuse and obscene gestures" during the display.

Reverend David McIlveen from Sandown Free Presbyterian Church was among those who made a small counter-demonstration.

At one stage during the procession through the city, a marcher broke off from the main parade and approached the protestors, bearing a placard that read 'Jesus protect me from your folllowers'.

Another sign said 'Jesus had two dads (and he turned out just fine)'. Mr Allister is calling for an apology from the organisers.

"A few years ago there was a public outcry after a blasphemous placard was carried in the parade and organisers gave assurances that this would not happen again. These assurances have proven to be worthless.

"Such sentiments would not be permitted if Mohammed had been the object of the marcher's mockery. Why should Christianity be treated any differently?

"This year - as has been the case previously - the 'Pride' parade has been anything other than the family friendly event which the organisers attempt to portray it as. Christians peacefully demonstrating at the event were subjected to a torrent of foulmouthed abuse and obscene gestures."

Mr Allister said he has written to the PSNI and Parades Commission about the placards which he found offensive.

"It is high time that the organisers of Belfast Pride were held accountable for the actions of those who take part in the parade."

Comments

109 Comments

Matt Leebody in Belfast wrote (289 days ago):

Perhaps Jim missed the part where the Christian 'peaceful' protest hurled abuse at gay teens as they marched past. Perhaps he also missed the part where the protestors submitted their application to protest to the Commission, from the times of 12pm to 2pm. Yet they were still there - the parade only began at 2pm. Illegal protest - so before you start talking about who to blame and who offended who, remember that by your own protest application, you weren't supposed to be there at all. Don't worry though, complaints have been raised about your illegal protest. I'll be surprised if you are allowed to protest at all next year.

Mike in Belfast wrote (292 days ago):

Sad to see how many religious bigots in NI feel that they can wrap up their hate and pass it off as religious freedom. I must have the wrong idea, but I thought that christianity taught against hate. Obviously that's not the case and christianity must contain a sanctioned element of hate. If that's the case you can keep it. I'm afraid that these bigots are pouring cold water over the whole idea of christianity. In a way it is self defeating as more and more people turn away from the church put off by the bigots like those commenting on here.

Gerry in Belfast wrote (292 days ago):

@ michpost, The people who were in the pride parade like you also live in a democracy.That meams they also (like you)have the right to object to what others (like you) find acceptable.Or did you not know thats how democracy works?

michpost in Newtownabbey wrote (292 days ago):

I wonder what this 'Pride' really is? Can it be pride that placards are designed to offend Christians? Can it be pride that a so-called 'family day out' is not really that at all? Can it be pride that simply making the comment that such parades are tasteless and repugnant to some of us, means we who object are subjected to accusations of being 'bigots' and much more? We live in a democracy; we have the right to object to what others find acceptable. It is how we raise those objections that determines the society we all live in. The rising vitrol of the 'Pride' towards those who object to them, is becoming more objectionable as year follows year.

martin craig in england wrote (292 days ago):

At 16:35 on 03 August 2011, David wrote: martin craig: You miss my point, by miles. david, my apologies sir. you have indeed proved me wrong... you are as dumb as a box of hammers.

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