‘You’re promoting hate’: Toronto police shut down preacher at Gay Pride parade

Onesimus

TORONTO, Ontario, July 6, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A Christian preacher spreading God’s word on a sidewalk in Toronto during the Gay Pride Parade on Canada Day was verbally assaulted by homosexual supporters as police watched, and was later surrounded by as many as 12 officers who forced him to vacate the area.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/youre-promoting-hate-toronto-police-shut-down-preacher-at-gay-pride-pa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npvWGCPv2j0

I think we should expect more of this as the years progress. What are your thoughts on this story? When I was watching it, I was disgusted at the treatment he got from bystanders not to mention the police. I would encourage all to read the article and watch the video in full first before making any rash comments.

God bless
Onesimus

Snappy Smurf

The people were horribly aggressive, but I do wonder if this is a case of wrong place, wrong time.

I dunno, I think the Christian has a right to be there, but I wonder how effective it is that he is there doing what he is doing. Thoughts?

Jesus Shaves

Snappy Smurf wrote: »

The people were horribly aggressive, but I do wonder if this is a case of wrong place, wrong time.

I dunno, I think the Christian has a right to be there, but I wonder how effective it is that he is there doing what he is doing. Thoughts?

He has a right to be there but he has no right to force his beliefs on other people

newmug

I just cant believe how acceptance of gayism has crept in and infiltrated everywhere so thouroughly. 10 years ago it was an insult to call someone gay. Now its seen as "brave" to "come out". This is not a Christian v athiest issue. Gayness is wrong, it always was and it always will be.

Snappy Smurf

Jesus Shaves wrote: »

He has a right to be there but he has no right to force his beliefs on other people

Well I think he was simply trying to deliver a message. Whether this is the best time and place for doing so is debatable.

Rather than using a megaphone indiscriminately at a large group who will not be properly disposed to receive his message, he might instead get to know one of them personally as a friend, perhaps eat with them, and witness to the love of God in a personal way.

Perhaps standing silently with a picture of the Divine Mercy would be more effective.

The police have a difficult job to do. Without the police, that preacher could easily have been set upon. Leaving him there was tying up police resources.

Nervous Wreck

Convenient for his cause how the video shows none of what he was saying before people started talking back. Anyone who goes to an event just to troll (which is essentially what he was doing*) deserves to be argued with. The cops shut him down for causing a disturbance; perfectly legit tbh.




*by this I mean that there were any number of places he could have gone to preach his beliefs but he specifically chose a Gay Pride parade and, judging by the evidence at hand, obviously pissed a lot of people off, most likely on purpose.

Onesimus

Jesus Shaves wrote: »

He has a right to be there but he has no right to force his beliefs on other people

But he isnt. he is just preaching the love of God. The same as homosexuals are preaching their love of homosexuality.

Nervous Wreck

newmug wrote: »

I just cant believe how acceptance of gayism has crept in and infiltrated everywhere so thouroughly. 10 years ago it was an insult to call someone gay. Now its seen as "brave" to "come out". This is not a Christian v athiest issue. Gayness is wrong, it always was and it always will be.

Define "wrong".

Snappy Smurf

newmug wrote: »

I just cant believe how acceptance of gayism has crept in and infiltrated everywhere so thouroughly. 10 years ago it was an insult to call someone gay. Now its seen as "brave" to "come out". This is not a Christian v athiest issue. Gayness is wrong, it always was and it always will be.

I think the boys in the school yard still view calling someone gay as an insult. It is still widely used as an insult among teenage boys in Ireland.

jaffa20

newmug wrote: »

I just cant believe how acceptance of gayism has crept in and infiltrated everywhere so thouroughly. 10 years ago it was an insult to call someone gay. Now its seen as "brave" to "come out". This is not a Christian v athiest issue. Gayness is wrong, it always was and it always will be.

Everything is right and wrong, left and right then yeah?

newmug

Nervous Wreck wrote: »

Define "wrong".

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/wrong

jaffa20 wrote: »

Everything is right and wrong, left and right then yeah?

Not everything. But gayness definetly is. Yeah?

Nervous Wreck

newmug wrote: »

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/wrong

How 'clever'. Can you adequately show how the term is applicable to homosexuality?

dahamsta

newmug wrote: »

I just cant believe how acceptance of gayism....

When you're using made-up words to criticise something, you're not qualified to comment.

Corkfeen

Onesimus wrote: »

But he isnt. he is just preaching the love of God. The same as homosexuals are preaching their love of homosexuality.

He went there with a clear agenda to provoke, he's standing there with a microphone attempting to claim that they're being intolerant. It seems somewhat strange how the beginning of the incident seems to be cut, something had to start the incident. I think the police were more irritated by the fact that he was trying to create a disturbance. It's exactly like the behavior of the westboro baptist church, instead of picketing a soldier's funeral instead he's doing it at a gay pride festival. He appears to have a sign that's designed to provoke too.

newmug wrote: »

I just cant believe how acceptance of gayism has crept in and infiltrated everywhere so thouroughly. 10 years ago it was an insult to call someone gay. Now its seen as "brave" to "come out". This is not a Christian v athiest issue. Gayness is wrong, it always was and it always will be.

It never was wrong, label it as wrong but it doesn't make your point any stronger. You have nothing to backup your claim besides a few leviticus lines. It is brave to come out when people are subjected to the intolerance that you are displaying. No, it isn't an issue of atheism and Christianity, it's merely an issue of everyones right to be equal.

Bloodwing

newmug wrote: »

Not everything. But gayness definetly is. Yeah?

According to who? Who or what in society gives you or the biggot in the video the right to say homosexuality is wrong?

Onesimus

newmug wrote: »

I just cant believe how acceptance of gayism has crept in and infiltrated everywhere so thouroughly. 10 years ago it was an insult to call someone gay. Now its seen as "brave" to "come out". This is not a Christian v athiest issue. Gayness is wrong, it always was and it always will be.

I think it's important for Catholics and people in general suffering with this problem to... come out. A lot of people under societal rejection have suffered great depression and suicide over societal pressure of ''what their friends'' might think of them because they are homosexual.

Although we acknowledge homosexuality as an act that is wrong. It is not a sin per se to be homosexual, just the act in itself and the agreement that it is ''right'' when it is ''wrong''.

There are many Catholics who are suffering with homosexual tendencies and live a life of chastity and prayer and remain in the Church. If they didnt ''come out'' then they would never be able to get the help that they need. They should never have to suffer in silence out of fear of bigotry.

It is important that people of all beliefs respect one another newmug.

Snappy Smurf

Neilos wrote: »

According to who? Who or what in society gives you or the biggot in the video the right to say homosexuality is wrong?

Onesimus wrote: »

I think it's important for Catholics and people in general suffering with this problem to... come out. A lot of people under societal rejection have suffered great depression and suicide over societal pressure of ''what their friends'' might think of them because they are homosexual.

Although we acknowledge homosexuality as an act that is wrong. It is not a sin per se to be homosexual, just the act in itself and the agreement that it is ''right'' when it is ''wrong''.

There are many Catholics who are suffering with homosexual tendencies and live a life of chastity and prayer and remain in the Church. If they didnt ''come out'' then they would never be able to get the help that they need. They should never have to suffer in silence out of fear of bigotry.

It is important that people of all beliefs respect one another newmug.

Well the world is a cruel place. Perhaps it's best kept to a few trusted individuals and one's confessor? Even families can be very un-Christian when it comes to this issue - rejecting the person, even if they haven't acted out homosexually.

lmaopml

I don't think that meeting people head on is very good. I think that there is a time and place - and most people will not meet Christ when they are angry at you and him too and all Christianity represents, or even just that bit. Everybody is entitled to public demonstration, this is true - but invoking that many curses is probably not the best approach - unless being 'persecuted' - but not really ( I feel sorry for the officers ) is on the agenda.

Meet people and give hope and love is probably a better approach - just celebrating.

Onesimus

He went there with a clear agenda to provoke, he's standing there with a microphone attempting to claim that they're being intolerant. It seems somewhat strange how the beginning of the incident seems to be cut, something had to start the incident. I think the police were more irritated by the fact that he was trying to create a disturbance. It's exactly like the behavior of the westboro baptist church, instead of picketing a soldier's funeral instead he's doing it at a gay pride festival. He appears to have a sign that's designed to provoke too.

The same could be said about the LGBT community who came out in their thousands ( much stronger than a man with a mic imho ). They could be said to come out on to the streets into a public space where a lot of people have a variety of beliefs and ''provoke''. But they were just exercising their rights on freedom of speech. That is exactly what this preacher was doing in a public space. I am only going by what I saw on the video and in the article. It is possible though that he was shouting ''hatred'' that led to the incident but making an assumption there would'nt be right seeing as we have no evidence that he did say anything like that.

I am just going by what I read and saw, thats it.

Bloodwing

Onesimus wrote: »

Although we acknowledge homosexuality as an act that is wrong. It is not a sin per se to be homosexual, just the act in itself and the agreement that it is ''right'' when it is ''wrong''.

Again, who or what gives you the authority to declare that homosexuality is wrong? Just because you don't agree with it doesn't make it wrong. I disagree with with the catholic church in every way but I won't be turning up at the church tomorrow with a megaphone. I guess that's because I'm more tolerant than the biggot in the video.

Snappy Smurf

Neilos wrote: »

Again, who or what gives you the authority to declare that homosexuality is wrong? Just because you don't agree with it doesn't make it wrong. I disagree with with the catholic church in every way but I won't be turning up at the church tomorrow with a megaphone. I guess that's because I'm more tolerant than the biggot in the video.

You'd probably be arrested. I understand that it is an offense to interrupt a religious service.

At an event like gay pride, there should be the freedom for anyone to have a respectful counter-protest. I personally wouldn't be bothered.

Onesimus

Snappy Smurf wrote: »

Well the world is a cruel place. Perhaps it's best kept to a few trusted individuals and one's confessor? Even families can be very un-Christian when it comes to this issue - rejecting the person, even if they haven't acted out homosexually.

I think Catholics suffering from this problem should in no way bottle it in. I have met many Catholics who make it publicly known that they are homosexual. I think in so doing they become witnesses to the faith, that one can carry this Cross and still be Catholic. They become a witness to those other Catholics who are suffering with it and feel rejected by the Church.

Families will always reject you for any view you have. Much of my family rejected me and insulted me when I ''came out'' and decided to be a practicing catholic again. The thought of me even blessing myself before a meal in a public space to them was embarrassing and I used to get a lot of stick over it.

Onesimus

Neilos wrote: »

Again, who or what gives you the authority to declare that homosexuality is wrong? Just because you don't agree with it doesn't make it wrong. I disagree with with the catholic church in every way but I won't be turning up at the church tomorrow with a megaphone. I guess that's because I'm more tolerant than the biggot in the video.

What gives you the authority to declare the Catholic Church to be wrong? Just because you do not agree with us doesnt make us wrong. We have conflicting views. So what? Get over it already.

I have seen a youtube video of a homosexual man trespass on Church property and disrupt mass to proclaim his homosexuality. There is a difference between tresspassing on private property and exercising ones rights in a public space, which is exactly what this preacher did, he exercised his rights on public property.

Nervous Wreck

Onesimus wrote: »

What gives you the authority to declare the Catholic Church to be wrong? Just because you do not agree with us doesnt make us wrong. We have conflicting views. So what? Get over it already.

Neilos didn't declare anyone to be wrong in his post.

Bloodwing

Snappy Smurf wrote: »

You'd probably be arrested. I understand that it is an offense to interrupt a religious service.

At an event like gay pride, there should be the freedom for anyone to have a respectful counter-protest. I personally wouldn't be bothered.

It certainly isn't an offence to protest at any service, religious or not. There's a difference between a protest and interrupting a service. It's an offece to prevent anyone going about their business, even "the gays".

My issue isn't with this man having his little protest (bearing in mind we've seen none of what he was saying prior to the altercation), my issue lies with him and some people here declaring that homosexuality is wrong as if they are stating a fact.

AtomicHorror

newmug wrote: »

I just cant believe how acceptance of gayism has crept in and infiltrated everywhere so thouroughly. 10 years ago it was an insult to call someone gay. Now its seen as "brave" to "come out". This is not a Christian v athiest issue. Gayness is wrong, it always was and it always will be.

Well, I say "gayness" is right now, was always right and will always be right. We disagree on what right and wrong are. Now what?

Oh yes, I know: you point to your moral guidebook.

lmaopml

Neilos wrote: »

Again, who or what gives you the authority to declare that homosexuality is wrong? Just because you don't agree with it doesn't make it wrong. I disagree with with the catholic church in every way but I won't be turning up at the church tomorrow with a megaphone. I guess that's because I'm more tolerant than the biggot in the video.

The biggot in the video, is entitled to be a...... well 'biggot', I suppose, with a loud speaker, if you see him as such than that's what he is, just as much as any other 'biggot' who demonstrates on the day, but curses their way through putting their point across to him too.

Was he effective? I don't think so - was it necessary and beneficial - certainly not!....but truly neither were the demonstrators a very good representation for the homosexual community either - it was all a bit sad really.

Gosh, Christ is theirs too - every broken heart can approach him as long as it's honest, and you won't find him among the cursing crowd, whether you are homosexual or straight - and think that sex is what defines you.

Onesimus

Nervous Wreck wrote: »

Neilos didn't declare anyone to be wrong in his post.

He said: ''I disagree with the catholic church in every way''

Corkfeen

Onesimus wrote: »

The same could be said about the LGBT community who came out in their thousands ( much stronger than a man with a mic imho ). They could be said to come out on to the streets into a public space where a lot of people have a variety of beliefs and ''provoke''. But they were just exercising their rights on freedom of speech. That is exactly what this preacher was doing in a public space. I am only going by what I saw on the video and in the article. It is possible though that he was shouting ''hatred'' that led to the incident but making an assumption there would'nt be right seeing as we have no evidence that he did say anything like that.

I am just going by what I read and saw, thats it.

First of all, the majority of people have moved on from homophobia so most couldn't give a crap about a gay pride rally. Note the word 'pride', the lgbt community have faced constant persecution because of their sexual orientation in the past. Might be worth reading up on the basis for it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_pride
It serves a rather positive purpose that pursues equality and acceptance. It also encourage those that are gay to come out. While that man carried a sign that had an intention to offend as was pointed out by one of the crowd. Combating homophobia is inoffensive except for people who hold a warped opinion about it.

Snappy Smurf wrote: »

You'd probably be arrested. I understand that it is an offense to interrupt a religious service.

At an event like gay pride, there should be the freedom for anyone to have a respectful counter-protest. I personally wouldn't be bothered.

Sure, during the sixties, you could have the KKK visit a civil rights march. They're only airing an opposing opinion. And no, there isn't a difference. People would rightfully get pissed off as they did here.

AtomicHorror

Onesimus wrote: »

What gives you the authority to declare the Catholic Church to be wrong? Just because you do not agree with us doesnt make us wrong. We have conflicting views.

How exactly do we go about disagreeing with something without saying we think it's wrong? By saying "I disagree" and merely implying that we think it's wrong? I think you'd still be offended by the challenge. We need no authority to declare something wrong if we believe it to be so- we have a right to do so and it is very disturbing that you can't so much as tolerate that, let alone give the challenge serious thought.

Snappy Smurf

Neilos wrote: »

It certainly isn't an offence to protest at any service, religious or not. There's a difference between a protest and interrupting a service. It's an offece to prevent anyone going about their business, even "the gays".

My issue isn't with this man having his little protest (bearing in mind we've seen none of what he was saying prior to the altercation), my issue lies with him and some people here declaring that homosexuality is wrong as if they are stating a fact.

You can't go into a church or other religious building for the purposes of any kind of protest. You can try, but you will probably be forcibly removed and likely arrested. Protesting a religious service inside a religious building IS interrupting a religious service.