Skip to main content

AMs told to cut 'homophobic' pastor ties

Two assembly members have been urged to sever their links with a controversial pastor who claimed homosexuality is a "sin".
Yang Tuck Yoong called homosexuality an "abomination" during a sermon.
Darren Millar and Russell George are trustees of the Evan Roberts Institute which has financial links with the pastor's Cornerstone Community Church.
They say they do not share his views but human rights campaigners are calling for all ties to be cut.
The pastor was reported to police in 2013 after giving a sermon entitled "The Sin of Sodom".
He said: "Homosexuality is a sin and it is far more rampant, militant and organised than most of us actually believe it to be.
"The battle lines are now drawn and it is time for the Church in Singapore to rise up and make a stand
It has emerged the Pentecostal minister and his church in Singapore have strong ties with Welsh charity, The Evan Roberts Institute.

Named after the Welsh revivalist, the institute was formed in 2013 to safeguard sites of religious and spiritual significance in Wales.
In 2014 it bought Pisgah chapel in Loughor, Swansea, which had been earmarked for demolition.

However the refurbishment work was paid for by Cornerstone Community Church.
Mr Yang's church was also granted a 50-year lease by the institute.
Campaigner Peter Tatchell said the views are "not compatible with humanitarian values".
He added: "The Evans Roberts Institute should not be associated with him or his church in any way.

"These AMs should either stand down from the institute or make sure it has broken all ties with the pastor."
The institute and both Conservative AMs said they do not support the views of Mr Yang on homosexuality.
The Welsh Conservatives said they do not condone homophobia or discrimination "of any sort".

However Cai Wilshaw of Pink News, which provides news for the LGBT community in the UK and worldwide, described the comments as "dangerous".
"The pastor's views are not only homophobic but dangerously so when you think of the message it sends to, for example, a child in Wales who is being bullied for their sexual orientation or gender identity," he said.
However Cai Wilshaw of Pink News, which provides news for the LGBT community in the UK and worldwide, described the comments as "dangerous".
"The pastor's views are not only homophobic but dangerously so when you think of the message it sends to, for example, a child in Wales who is being bullied for their sexual orientation or gender identity," he said.
"It's completely unacceptable for these politicians to have social, financial and legal links with someone who has such dangerous extremist views.
"Cutting those links don't go far enough. They must (act) in the same way they want to be represented in their constituencies. 
"If they're not willing to educate themselves about LGBT rights then they should think about resigning."
Welsh Labour AM Jeremy Miles added: "I'd support calls for Darren Millar and Russell George to sever their links with the pastor. I hope they will reflect on the message it sends to young people in their constituencies.
"Having faith and being gay are not incompatible. Drawing strength from faith should give us a rich understanding of humanity. And remind us that we are all different but equal."


Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Significant Gaps Remain in Welsh Government Building Safety Announcement

  The Welsh Liberal Democrats have welcomed progress announced today in the Welsh Government’s building safety announcement but have warned significant gaps remain. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS and Cardiff Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Rhys Taylor addressing building saftey campaigners.   The announcement given by Environment Minister Julie James MS confirmed that 9 property developers have now signed up to the Welsh Government’s “Developers Pact” agreeing in theory their responsibility to remediate buildings they constructed with safety defects.   The announcement follows a lengthy campaign by leaseholders in the five years since the Grenfell Tower Disaster.   However, three major developers are still yet to reply.   The Welsh Liberal Democrats have stated that due to the Welsh Government’s failure to work with the UK Government on the Building Safety Act, they are left with little to no options to deal with the property de...
Post a Comment
Read more

Jo Swinson: Serious talks on Lib Dem-Plaid election pact

The Wales BBC Report : The Liberal Democrats are "seriously in discussions" with Plaid Cymru to agree a pact at the next general election, Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson has said. A poll is expected before Christmas because Boris Johnson's government has no majority in the House of Commons. The Liberal Democrats won the recent Brecon and Radnorshire by-election after Plaid agreed not to stand.  Opposition MPs have twice rejected the government's attempts to trigger a general election, insisting they want to ensure the UK does not leave the EU without a deal at the end of October before they vote for an election. Conservative m Asked how that was progressing, Ms Swinson told BBC Sunday Politics Wales: "There are constructive discussions underway…but those discussions will take their course and announcements will be made as that happens." Speaking ahead of her party's autumn conference, beginning in Bournemouth this weekend, the Lib Dem leade...
Read more

Lib Dems Propose New Bill to Protect Welsh Farmers

  The Liberal Democrats have proposed new legislation to protect Welsh farmers from being undercut by food trade deals that do not meet the UK’s environment and animal welfare standards.   The plans, set out in a private member’s bill from Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Rural Affairs Tim Farron MP, would require the government’s Trade and Agriculture Commission to assess the impact of any new trade deal on UK farmers, and guarantee that MPs had the final say on trade deals initiated by the government.   This would include an assessment of the impact of new trade deals on farming communities in each region and nation of the UK.   Farron’s Bill comes after concern was raised by farmers unions and the Welsh Liberal Democrats that the Government’s new trade deal with Australia will not include a Welsh-specific impact assessment. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS and Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson Tim Farron MP Commenting on his...
Post a Comment
Read more