Police Service Northern Ireland say they are treating as a “hate crime” the actions of a man who used a public address system to make an address before a gay pride event last weekend.
The PSNI said, “We are aware of a video of a man using a public address system in Belfast yesterday. We are treating the incident as a hate crime.”
A spokesperson said officers were at the scene and recorded evidence with body cams.
“The footage is being reviewed by investigators,” it said.
“Homosexuals want to rape our children!” shouts a hate preacher yesterday at #BelfastPride, while getting protection from police to do so. Absolutely shocking.
This can’t be allowed. Freedom of speech does not equal hate speech being given free reign to roam. pic.twitter.com/gb0L8FpUDJ
— ProgressivePoliticsNI (@ProgPoliticsNI) July 30, 2023
A short video clip of the address circulated on line in which the man accused homosexuals of having “become brazen” and want to “rape our children” and “rape our country”.
It's all go at the Welcome Centre! Check out the fabulous @Translink_NI Pride window, the brilliant dancers are providing some lunchtime entertainment for everyone in Belfast today! 🏳️🌈🕺🏼🪩🫶🏼 #BelfastPride pic.twitter.com/y6E1FYGPj1
— Visit Belfast News (@VisitBelfastOrg) July 27, 2023
It was reported that thousands took to the streets for the parade which saw participation from 250 groups.
Strange how many of the politicians and organisations at #BelfastPride managed to avoid photos with these clowns.
It's almost as if they would rather avoid them. pic.twitter.com/2gqvkQegbP
— Brian Canavan (@briancanavan1) July 30, 2023
Organisers say these numbers represent a 25% increase in participation since the 2022 event.
Saying he had seen the video of the “hate preacher” Green Party Cllr. Anthony Quinn said, “I believe the content to be hate speech against a protected category, police should take action immediately.”
“Disgusting bigotry has no place in our city,” he added
He told me I was going to hell, and I told him so was he. Belfast Pride #belfastpride #pridemonth pic.twitter.com/7gKicyTYrW
— nailulu7654 (@nailulu7654) July 29, 2023
Co-chairman of Belfast pride John O’Doherty said, “We recognise and support everyone else’s right to protest, including those who chose to protest against Belfast Pride and what we believe in,” adding that “protest comes with a responsibility and that responsibility is clearly marked down in law.”
“Everyone should have to live within those expectations when it comes to public protesting.” he said.
@belfastpride you were brilliant! pic.twitter.com/xioyDJWqfR
— Angela not Angie 🪩 (@AngelaMcG100) July 29, 2023
Great moment at @BelfastPride when the parade stopped to cheer a bride and groom as they came out of St Anne's Cathedral! #BelfastPride pic.twitter.com/rhB9xLW697
— Ricky Thompson (@RickyMournes) July 29, 2023