Street Preacher Investigated for Homophobic Remarks Withdraws Application to Speak at Belfast City Council
A street preacher who is currently under investigation by the police for making homophobic remarks has withdrawn his application to speak at the Belfast City Council. Ryan Williamson, a member of Salvation on the Street, was scheduled to address the full council meeting on October 2.
The investigation stems from remarks made by Mr. Williamson during Belfast Pride, where he allegedly stated that gay people want to rape our children. While he later claimed that his remarks were taken out of context, the police are treating the incident as a potential hate crime.
Councillor Murray, who is a witness in the case, raised concerns about Mr. Williamson’s appearance before the council, considering the ongoing police probe and an upcoming public consultation on the use of PA systems in the city center. Councillor Murray stated that it would be inappropriate for Mr. Williamson to address the council given the circumstances.
Belfast City Council has confirmed that Mr. Williamson’s permission to speak at the full meeting has been withdrawn due to the active police investigation. Instead, he will have the opportunity to make representations as part of an upcoming public consultation on new draft bylaws.
A spokesperson for the council emphasized that Belfast is an inclusive and diverse city, and zero tolerance is given to homophobia. The decision to withdraw Mr. Williamson’s application was made based on the ongoing investigation and the upcoming public consultation on the use of PA systems.
The police investigation into the incident on July 29th involving Mr. Williamson and other individuals in Belfast City Centre is ongoing, according to a PSNI spokesperson.
In conclusion, Ryan Williamson, the street preacher being investigated for homophobic remarks, has decided to withdraw his application to address the Belfast City Council. This decision was made in light of the ongoing police investigation and an upcoming public consultation on the use of PA systems. The council aims to maintain an inclusive city where zero tolerance is given to homophobia. The police investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
