Gay Humanists Lead Demo Against Papal Visit

London - 30th September 2009

Members of the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) and others gathered outside the Labour Party Conference in Brighton on 30th September to protest against Gordon Brown’s invitation to the Pope to carry out a state visit to Britain.

 

This proved to be a valuable opportunity to gain the attention of government ministers, Labour Party members, trade unionists and others who were entering and leaving this busy gathering at a key point in the party conference season.

 

We seemed to get the attention of many campaigners and activists who took our flyers including Justice Secretary, Jack Straw.

 

GALHA has already joined the group of humanist and secular organisations planning demonstrations and actions if and when the Pope does arrive.

 

GALHA Secretary David Christmas Commented.

 

“The demonstration has partly been a response to the wave of indignation that has resulted from Gordon Brown’s apparent decision, endorsed by David Cameron, to extend all of the trappings of a state visit to the Pope. While we don’t, and shouldn’t, object to his visiting per se, organising a huge reception is disproportionate for the head of an artificial “country” with fewer inhabitants than a typical local government ward.”

 

Taking account of his often extremely reactionary policies, this will be seen as a slap in the face by many British citizens.

 

“Atheists now probably outnumber Catholics in the UK. It would be good to see Britain’s non-believers receiving a fraction of the respect and attention routinely accorded to the so-called “major” religions.

 

“GALHA are very proud to be the first UK organisation to arrange a protest since the visit was announced. We will continue to work with other bodies both to draw people’s attention to the many failings in the Vatican’s policies, and to encourage the Pope to repent and see the error of his ways.”

 

Photographs at the demo