The Gay & Lesbian Humanist Association is hosting a panel discussion entitled ‘Religious rights vs Gay rights: Should the Gay Police Association be prosecuted for inciting religious hatred?'

Last week the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to prosecute the GPA following their advert which linked religious belief to homophobic incidents.  Evangelical Christian George Hargreaves claims to be in the process of initiating a private prosecution several officers in the GPA in their personal capacities.

The controversial advery was displayed earlier this summer in the Independent at the time of London Europride.

The advert pictured a bible next to a pool of blood with the text: “In the last 12 months, the Gay Police Association has recorded a 74% increase in homophobic incidents, where the sole or primary motivating factor was the religious belief of the perpetrator.” 

Was the advert justified? What is the extent of religiously-motivated attacks on gay people? Does the advert incite religious hatred? Is there a basis for the prosecution? Are too many people – both religious and gay – being investigated for simply speaking their minds?

The panellists include a representative from the GPA, Ted Brown from Black Gays and Lesbians Against Media Homophobia, Savi Hensman from the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, and the Rev. George Hargreaves, the evangelical Christian who is planning to bring a private prosecution of members of the GPA.

The audience will have an opportunity to challenge the panellists, so come along and join the debate.

The debate is being held on Friday 13th October 2006, at The library, Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL. Starting at 7:30p.m.