Debate over controversial gay police ad.

By James Phillips • October 4, 2006 - 0:00

The advert, which everyone appears to have an opinion on, was displayed earlier this summer in the Independent at the time of London Europride.

9 Comments on Debate over controversial gay police ad.

The Gay Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) is hosting a panel discussion entitled 'Religious rights vs Gay rights: Should the Gay Police Association (GPA) be prosecuted for inciting religious hatred?'

Last week the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to prosecute the GPA following their advert which linked religious belief to homophobic incidents.

Evangelical Christian George Hargreaves claims to be in the process of initiating a private prosecution several officers in the GPA in their personal capacities.

The advert, which everyone appears to have an opinion on, was displayed earlier this summer in the Independent at the time of London Europride.

The advert pictured a bible next to a pool of blood with the text:

"In the last twelve months, The Gay Police Association has recorded a 75% increase in homophobic incidents, where the sole or primary motivating factor was the religious beliefs of the perpetrator."

Mr Hargreaves will be present as a panellist alongside a representative from the GPA, Ted Brown of Black Gays Lesbians Against Media Homophobia and Savi Hensman of the Lesbian Gay Christian Movement, in what guarantees to be a 'lively' debate.

Panellists are due to consider the rise of religiously-motivated homophobia and the increasing clash between religion and gay rights.

The debate is being held on Friday 13th October 2006, at The library, Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL. Starting at 7:30p.m.

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