Christian Group's Poetry Protest

December 11, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7777157.stm

Around 250 Christian activists have protested outside the Welsh assembly building about a poetry reading.

Patrick Jones was invited by two assembly members to read from his collection Darkness Is Where The Stars Are, which has already led to claims it is "obscene and blasphemous".

Stephen Green, director of Christian Voice, said: "This turnout shows the strength of feeling of people."

Mr Jones was "shocked" by the numbers but said it was good for free speech.

Protesters sang hymns and some held placards before the ticket-only event inside the Senedd building.

Mr Green added: We're seeing the Christian faith attacked on all sides."

"Now it's under attack in a seat of government in the UK."

Nick Bourne, leader of the Welsh Conservatives was at the demonstration, and was asked if he was showing his support.

He replied: "Yes, essentially."

"Our group opposed this {reading] at the home of Welsh democracy, promoting something which is anti-Christian and we would say that if it was any recognised religion."