Gay disco ‘could offend Christians’

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

A man was barred from holding a gay disco at a community hall because of fears it could upset Christians.

Jason Hudson, from St Agnes in Cornwall, planned to hold the event on April 2nd, which is Good Friday.

But he says that managers of the charity-run Miners’ and Mechanics’ Institute rejected his request because they thought a gay night would offend St Agnes’ Christian population.

He said he was initially told he could hold the event but the committee chair Dawn Brown later decided it was “unsuitable” for the venue.

Mr Hudson told the West Briton: “I was told that it wasn’t the right kind of event – but salsa and aerobics are, I suppose?

“The bar is empty most nights and I explained this would attract custom. She then said it was bad timing saying a gay event would upset people in the village celebrating Good Friday.”

He added: “I feel this is discrimination – it’s ridiculous in this day and age.”

Ms Brown said that the hall did not have a late licence and was surrounded by residential properties.

But she added: “I admit I had personal reservations as the date is Good Friday. Although the strict licensing hours which applied on Good Friday have been relaxed in our increasingly secular society, the sensitivities remain, and St Agnes has a large and active Christian community whom I would not wish to upset.”

She said she was not homophobic but the organisation needed to ensure that the venue was “family-centred”.

Mr Hudson’s event will now be staged in Truro.

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