A Free Presbyterian Church minister who sparked protest at Belfast Pride on Saturday has defended his actions, calling the parade “a very unpleasant experience”.
Rev David McIlveen, of Sandown Free Presbyterian Church, amassed a crowd of protesters at the corner of Waring Street and North Street on the parade route.
He criticized the Pride event claiming: “I certainly do not see it as an asset to Belfast in any way. It is something that is grieving to a good number of people”.
The Irish Times report that McIlveen, who organizes an annual anti-Pride protest, did not see his actions as a “protest” but as “a service of thanksgiving about what the Bible teaches on sodomy”.
Speaking of the parade, McIlveen added: “We found that some of the floats were so obscene and the music so loud – it was a very unpleasant experience for anyone that would not be thinking the way the parade organisers would want you to think”. He labelled the event “an in-your-face situation which will always bring reaction”.
The Belfast News Letter newspaper reports that the Belfast Pride organisers make significant efforts to make it a family friendly event.
Belfast lord mayor Niall O Donnghaile, who was in attendance on Saturday, defended the Parade stating: “Pride is a wonderful, colourful display, a huge parade taking place involving old and young.”
He continues: “There were many families as well- a great indication and a great symbol of Belfast moving forward as a changing city”.
Politicians from several parties showed their support at the programme of events on Saturday.
