Gay Pride disco ban on Good Friday
MANAGERS of a charity-run community hall have turned down a request to stage a gay disco over fears the event could offend religious groups on Good Friday.
Jason Hudson, from St Agnes in Cornwall, wanted to book the village's Miners' and Mechanics' Institute (MMI) for the April 2 event under the name Gay Pride Productions.
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Mr Hudson, who hoped to run regular dance nights in the hall, said he was initially told he could use the venue but the booking was then cancelled by the chairman of the committee who said it was "unsuitable" for the hall.
"I was told that it wasn't the right kind of event – but salsa and aerobics are, I suppose? The bar is empty most nights and I explained this would attract custom. She then said it was bad timing, saying a gay event would upset people in the village celebrating Good Friday," said Mr Hudson.
"The original purpose of the club was for the betterment and education of the people of St Agnes, but now it seems to be for a select few. Does she think there are no gay people living in the village? I'm sure they will feel offended by the suggestion that a gay dance night may upset people," added Mr Hudson, who has now been given the go-ahead to hold the event at Qdos in Truro.
In a statement, the MMI chairman Dawn Brown said the hall did not have a late licence and was in a built-up area, making it unsuitable for a late night dance event.
"I admit I had personal reservations as the date is Good Friday. Although the strict licensing hours which applied on Good Friday have been relaxed in our increasingly secular society, the sensitivities remain, and St Agnes has a large and active Christian community whom I would not wish to upset," said Mrs Brown.
She also said the organisation had to "think of its image" but denied suggestions that it was anti-gay, saying: "We want to create a family-centred venue."
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by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Monday, April 19 2010, 6:47PM
“:| And even 'their' weight Chris.”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Monday, April 19 2010, 6:10PM
“:| @John Dale, Truro
Why do you think we don't have 'heterosexual pride discos' in the countryside either John Dale. . Do you really think it's because we don't understand? . I suggest to you that people who live close to nature and the land have a far, far greater understanding of nature's variations in new-born life, than you anti-Christian bigots ever will. . But we just don't spend our lives talking about it.
And Chris, I WILL DISCRIMINATE against, liars, cheats, thieves, itinerants, people who sneak around after dark; and people from the city who think they can move out to the country and start throwing there weight around. . Are you understanding me?”
by max power, st austell
Wednesday, March 24 2010, 10:34AM
“@Harry
Perhaps Jason Hudson ought to reply to my post first?
It appears to be as an erroneous sensationalised article based on a friendly chat he had about a licence at the MMI?
You appear determined to be offended.
But it's ok for you, in your self righteousness, to offend Carrie's beliefs as FAIRY STORIES, it's OK for your cohorts to speak about the WARPED WORLD OF CHRISTIANITY or refer to them as FASCISTS and BUMPKINS.
If I used the same phraseology
and refered to the verbal offence and bullying of ****fascists (incitement to religious hatred is also an offence!) you'd report my comment!
You are a hypocrite using your sexuality as a trump card.”
by Harry, London
Wednesday, March 24 2010, 12:44AM
“Mark: sadly I am not trolling. I do genuinely feel that people like me who are privileged to have a position in life that is free from discrimination should help those who may not be so fortunate. That includes taking people up on the apparently homophobic language.
No-one is bothered about a refusal solely on the grounds of a late licence. But Ms Brown could not it seems stop at that. I would still like to know fromher whether she made the remarks the paper claims she made or not. I do not agree with you that it is fair enough that we should not offend Christians by exercising our perfect right to party on GF; in any event. Christians' rights are to celebrate the day however they please - sackcloth and ashes and self-flagellation if they are so inclined. But their rights do not extend to telling other people how to conduct their lives and Ms Brown appears to think that they do. I do sincerely hope she tells us, maybe through her son, whether she did say the words she is quoted as saying or not. If she did, what she said was inappropriate for official administering a public resource. If she did not then the newspaper has maligned her.
As to the word "family", you may not be aware that the words "family values" are code for for discriminatory treatment of LGBT people.
I would not personally be so concerned about this if, as I say, the West Country did not have "previous" on anti-gay discrimination.
May I suggest a sensible way for resolving this:-
1 Ms Brown releases to the public the "statement" she made to the paper; and maybe...
2. She consider accepting some diversity training, which help her not offend people (all people, not just Christians) in future.”
by Mark, Camborne
Tuesday, March 23 2010, 7:41PM
“C'mon Harry you're trolling at the very least - at the worst you're being nasty towards Mrs. B. I'm a hetero atheist who is sick of the constant bullying of gay / bi / who cares people. I think religion is a bunch of toss - but so long as they don't burn me, blow me up or abuse me they can carry on. Mrs. B. merely objected to it on the grounds of it going on until 4 am. I have a family - my other half, pets not kids and I don't want them. The term "family" is not homophobic. Its means those you care about and love. The religious sensibilities mean they don't want people partying until 4 am on the day that they believe some bloke was nailed up for saying how nice it would be if we were all nice to each other. Fair enough. Some of my best friends are Christians. Shame on the WB for its reporting though.”