 |
| Belfast preacher claims comments taken out of context |
A Belfast preacher, Ryan Williamson, who has been a prominent figure with Salvation On The Streets for the past five years, has found himself at the center of a controversy following comments he made during a Pride event. Mr. Williamson spoke out, claiming that his words were "taken out of context" after a recording of his remarks sparked criticism.
Speaking on Royal Avenue before the Pride parade last Saturday, Mr. Williamson was recorded saying, "Homosexuals have become so brazen that they wanted to rape the righteous, and that’s what is happening today – they want to rape our children, they want to rape our country, they want to pillage and they want to pilfer, all in the name of love. We need to stand up against the sin of homosexuality." These statements have drawn sharp criticism from Belfast Pride organizers and several public representatives.
Over the weekend, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) acknowledged the existence of a video circulating on social media featuring a man using a public address system on Royal Avenue before the Belfast Pride Parade on July 29. The PSNI confirmed their presence at the scene and the collection of evidence through body-worn cameras. The recorded footage is now under review by investigators.
On Tuesday evening, the PSNI declared that the tearing of a Bible in Belfast city center on July 29 would be treated as a hate crime. The next morning, Mr. Williamson responded to the backlash, asserting that an 18-second clip couldn't fully convey his intended message. He appeared on the BBC's Stephen Nolan Show and expressed his belief that he had been called by God to "speak out against the evil of the homosexual ideology and agenda." He emphasized his love for people while remaining steadfast in his commitment to speaking the truth.
When questioned about his comments at the Pride event, Mr. Williamson clarified, "Of course I don’t believe that homosexuals rape kids. I believe what the rape is, is the rape of our children’s identity." He further explained that while his words may have been misunderstood, his intention remained consistent. He vowed to share the full message on the Salvation On The Streets Facebook page to provide context.
In his defense, Mr. Williamson highlighted what he perceives as an attempt to discredit Christian viewpoints. He claimed that he has been targeted by the homosexual community, leading to his arrest in the past due to his statements being taken out of context. He argued that his message centers on the concern that children are being influenced by a "militant homosexual agenda," which he sees as a threat to their identity and the nation's values.
Co-chairman of Belfast Pride, John O'Doherty, expressed his disappointment with the language used by Mr. Williamson, labeling it as "entirely unacceptable." Alliance Party councillor Micky Murray echoed these sentiments, asserting that the content of the preaching could be categorized as a hate crime. He plans to meet with senior police officials to address the matter.
Belfast Pride, which took place on the same Saturday, witnessed the participation of thousands of individuals, including over 250 distinct groups – marking a 25% increase from the previous year. The event's theme, "Stand By Your Trans," was reflected in its leadership, with the parade being led by trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals.
