Threats to Northern Ireland church over screening of ‘gay cure’ film
by Victoria Leonard, Belfast Telegraph:
The pastor of a Northern Ireland church which screened a so-called “gay cure” film claims his place of worship has been subjected to violent threats on social media.
Rodney Stout spoke out after Christian group Core Issues Trust held the all-Ireland premiere of its film, Voices of the Silenced, at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, Co Down, on Tuesday night.
The film, which says that gay people can “choose not to live out their homosexuality” had previously been turned down by Queen’s Film Theatre and The Vue in London’s Piccadilly.
On Tuesday morning, the Core Issues Trust held a protest outside Queen’s University, Belfast over the refusal.
It is understood around 100 people attended the screening in Ballynahinch later that night.
Before the screening got underway a group of around 30 protesters, including Sinn Fein MLA Emma Rogan, gathered outside the church.
Pictures also show a police presence at the scene.
Pastor Stout said he supported the protesters’ right to freedom of speech.
However, he slammed those who had taken to social media to threaten what he described as “extreme violence” against the church.
“I went out and welcomed the protesters – I was totally behind their right to be there,” Pastor Stout said.
“Some were angry, but several of them agreed that we had the right to screen the film.
“I asked them if any minority group should have its right to be heard suppressed, and they said no.”
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