Gay Humanists Warn Against "Anti Gay" Street Pastors

London 24^th April 2010

The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) has serious concerns about reports that Westminster City Council’s plans to encourage religious street pastors in the borough, including in Soho.

The Street Pastor movement is backed by Christian groups including evangelist sects bitterly opposed to gay equality, gay adoption and even gay partnerships. This raises the question of whether the Council, responsible for the welfare of all residents, should promote this activity. GALHA desires a society where  people whatever their views or  sexuality should enjoy equal freedom, dignity and respect without fear of prejudice and the “moral” judgement of the religious.

GALHA Chair Adam Knowles commented:

“Soho is one of the few parts of Britain where LGBT people can be free and open about their sexuality in the way that straight people can take for granted wherever they are. And even here there have been violent homophobic attacks - including one particularly brutal, public murder just a year ago.

“GALHA believes that people are entitled to express beliefs, even ones that we may find repellent. However, we worry that a local authority will promote and endorse a public role for religious folk whose views on gay people and LGBT rights may be profoundly opposed to their own. Inviting street pastors in to the safe haven of Soho needs further consideration and consultation with LGBT groups representing the area.

“We accept that many street pastors are kind, well meaning and do important work - but mustn’t forget they come under the banner of a creed often fundamentally hostile to the rights, welfare and dignity of LGBT people. While Soho has its problems with alcohol and violence late at night, we must not lightly give up freedom from religiously-inspired homophobia and the freedom to be ourselves.

“For those that believe in an equal and secular society this is a step in the wrong direction.

 “If Westminster City Council chooses to press ahead with this scheme, we urge the gay community to make it clear how they feel.”