Christian preacher arrested for saying homosexuality is a sin
A Christian street preacher was arrested and locked in a cell for telling a passer-by that homosexuality is a sin in the eyes of God.
Dale McAlpine was charged with causing “harassment, alarm or distress” after a homosexual police community support officer (PCSO) overheard him reciting a number of “sins” referred to in the Bible, including blasphemy, drunkenness and same sex relationships.
The 42-year-old Baptist, who has preached Christianity in Workington, Cumbria for years, said he did not mention homosexuality while delivering a sermon from the top of a stepladder, but admitted telling a passing shopper that he believed it went against the word of God.
Police officers are alleging that he made the remark in a voice loud enough to be overheard by others and have charged him with using abusive or insulting language, contrary to the Public Order Act.
Mr McAlpine, who was taken to the police station in the back of a marked van and locked in a cell for seven hours on April 20, said the incident was among the worst experiences of his life.
“I felt deeply shocked and humiliated that I had been arrested in my own town and treated like a common criminal in front of people I know," he said.
(source)
The story above was shared by a friend on Facebook a few minutes ago. Immediately several of her friends tried sharing it but Facebook was apparently blocking the actions. I myself tried several different way (from share button in story page, status update, shorturl, etc.) to no avail. It seems Facebook is censoring content sharing.......tolerance, it would seem, is a one-way street.
ReplyDeleteCharges were eventually dropped (story here). Even a "Veteran gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell condemned the arrest and urged the home secretary to issue new guidelines to the police. He said: "Although I disagree with Dale Mcalpine and support protests against his homophobic views, he should not have been arrested and charged. Criminalisation is a step too far.""
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. More cryptic language will be needed soon, i.e. Ebonics. Less labels since people do already know what sin is. Certainly don't want to go to jail for pointing out a 'mote' in someone else's eye...
ReplyDelete